2023-24 UEFA Champions League Round of 16, last set of first leg games: referee assignments.
21 February 2024
21:00 CET - Porto (Estádio do Dragão)
FC Porto (POR) - Arsenal FC (ENG)
Referee: Serdar Gözübüyük NED
Assistant Referee 1: Erwin E. J. Zeinstra NED
Assistant Referee 2: Johan Balder NED
Fourth Official: Joey Kooij NED
Referee: Serdar Gözübüyük NED
Assistant Referee 1: Erwin E. J. Zeinstra NED
Assistant Referee 2: Johan Balder NED
Fourth Official: Joey Kooij NED
Video Assistant Referee: Dennis Johan Higler NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Hugh Dallas SCO
UEFA Delegate: Nils Fisketjonn NOR
UEFA Referee Observer: Hugh Dallas SCO
UEFA Delegate: Nils Fisketjonn NOR
21:00 CET - Naples (Stadio Diego Armando Maradona)
SSC Napoli (ITA) - FC Barcelona (ESP)
Referee: Felix Zwayer GER
Assistant Referee 1: Stefan Lupp GER
Assistant Referee 2: Robert Kempter GER
Fourth Official: Sven Jablonski GER
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sören Storks GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Elmir Pilav BIH
UEFA Delegate: Adonis Procopiou CYP
Referee: Felix Zwayer GER
Assistant Referee 1: Stefan Lupp GER
Assistant Referee 2: Robert Kempter GER
Fourth Official: Sven Jablonski GER
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sören Storks GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Elmir Pilav BIH
UEFA Delegate: Adonis Procopiou CYP
Good luck both refs
ReplyDeleteFirst remark: van Boekel appointed with Gozubuyuk so this should mean the decision in Leipzig - Real Madrid has been assessed at least as supportable (of course we can't be 100% sure about that, but in case of such a mistake I wouldn't have guessed another appointment for the Dutch VAR). Then, into Gozubuyuk choice: English team away against a Portuguese, a rather classic CL game, but not a very top match. There is a certain development by the Dutch, here another step (clearly more suitable game for him than Inter - Atlético).
ReplyDeleteIn Naples, Zwayer, no need to say he is German nr. 1 at moment with the ticket for EURO ready. Only one German in the major continental competition? We will see, at moment we should think so.
Very big names so far still kept, and maybe some of them will appear tomorrow in EL / ECL before big assignments in CL, starting from R16 second legs and then quarterfinals.
Chefren did you think German will only have 1 representatives? And Netherland 2 representatives, I mean how about Gozubuyuk chance?
DeleteWell, last time there also were 2 referees from Netherlands (and from Romania) and only one referee from Italy, so this shouldn't be a problem.
DeleteBut thinking about it, Makkelie could also be an option for Copa America. He has nearly no chance to improve his previous EURO (opening game + SF) and could use the CA as preparation for 2026. Furthermore he even has EURO 2028 available.
For Germany, it looks like one referee at the moment. Unless Siebert or Stieler get a CL R16 2nd leg (e.g. Sociedad-PSG) - then they would return into consideration.
But this time German is the host? Did you think the host want to “lose” the number?
DeleteI hope Siebert can get his performance back, it would be a pity to look he’s out of Euro in his home country.
DeleteBut we don't have any historic evidence, that the host gets two referee spots.
Delete@Anonymous I think that at moment there will be only one German referee, Zwayer. In case of second appointment from the home country, I think one could expect rather Stieler over Siebert, but at moment no signals in this regard. Let's wait for the next assignments.
DeleteAbout Netherlands, there are clearly more chances to see two referees, with Gozubuyuk following a certain path.
I disagree with Philipp about Makkelie, I don't think that a referee when attending a tournament must be obliged to do better than previous edition he attended, already participating in such big competitions is something that a referee waits during the whole career. Everything can always happen and one must be always ready to take the most of a situation.
Yeah there's no point in sending Makkelie to Copa America. It should be for lower elite
DeleteDon't forget that it's also always a matter of protocol and balance. If it's true that Sampaio is going to be the CONMEBOL representative at EURO 2024 (top elite in South America, arguably even an early contender for the World Cup Final 2026 due to his nationality/strong political background and experience) then they'd probably expect someone similar at Copa America. The only thing to consider though is language. I'd guess that the language of instruction at CONMEBOL events is Spanish so any exchange referee should probably have a solid command of it. Not sure if Makkelie speaks Spanish but if he does, why not? Might even be helpful for his World Cup aspirations since it's also an opportunity to get RefCo members from other confederations into your "corner" - probably neat if you want to go far in the tournament.
DeleteIt’s already been agreed between the parties that it will be Sampaio/Tello for Pinheiro/Mariani, hasn’t it?
DeleteDid Mariani speak Spanish? Or again another political swap. To send Pinheiro with his status only as 1st cat. I don’t think this is the right manner. I mean CONMEBOL not lower than UEFA, they are equal.
DeleteAbout Zwayer... I always critizised him a lot, but I must admit, that most of his matches he did really well this year. I still am afraid that the looses his line and control in heated moments, but obviously he worked on that, so this is well deserved now.
DeleteAccording to UEFA website Higler is main VAR and Van Boekel AVAR in Porto.
ReplyDeleteOh, for that one I didn't check UEFA site.
DeleteJust copied assignment from KNVB:
https://www.knvb.nl/nieuws/scheidsrechters/aanstellingen/68700/gozubuyuk-leidt-champions-league-duel-tussen-fc-porto-en
https://ibb.co/Ldbx7FL
And here van Boekel is main VAR.
So, maybe this was the original choice and then a change by UEFA! Very interesting!
https://streambug.org/cv/8377cb
ReplyDeleteHere the VAR audio clip from Roma - Inter and the goal confirmed after OFR. following a possible punishable offside.
Things went definitely in a different way than I thought: both VAR and AVAR were rather in favor of disallowing the goal due to the physical contact attacker / keeper at the moment of the shot. Nevertheless, referee was invited to OFR and they were absolutely neutral, without trying to convince him about their point of view. At a certain point, VAR says: "There is a small physical contact at the moment of the shot (header), but make your assessment".
Guida assessed that in his opinion the player didn't influence keeper and so goal was confirmed. So, original idea by VAR was my idea as well, to disallow for the contact keeper - attacker.
Rocchi assessment is that he agrees with Guida, and in his opinion better not to disallow this goal, but never black or white, still grey area, so in case of offside decision, this should have been supported.
He didn't blame VAR for having sent referee to monitor, because it is important in such situations, when VAR has doubts, to invite referee and so he can make his assessment.
Personally, my idea is still offside because there is that criterion we always used for previous assessments in such situations, but I liked that a referee, without any pressure, analyzed the incident at the monitor, shared polite opinions with VAR and AVAR, and then he took his final decision.
Rocchi also added that in case of ball toward the keeper, in the same situation, this would have been clear offside, but that's obvious, of course. The fact that the ball was impossible to reach and on the other side than the player in offside, allowed this read by referee.
Do you know, whether Guida and his AR had fully assessed the situation before the OFR? I.e., have they recognized the offside position and the contact with the GK?
DeleteIf yes, the OFR is rather doubtful, because there was no clear error.
If not, I agree with you, that the referee should take the final decision.
Guida asks AR1 about Thuram, he answers: "For me no impact with the trajectory of the ball". So they had already assessed the position of the player.
DeleteThis is never, i mean NEVER an offside. No impact on the ability of the goalkeepr to play the ball - ZERO. ANd 0% invervention. AVAR should never be a Referee instead of AR. Very good football understanding from AR 1 and laws of the game in terms of ofside OFFENCE interpretation because being in offside position in not always an offence. There should be clear and OBVIOUS impact on the ability of the defender to play the ball. Hope more referees read this and understand.
DeleteJug is referee of the Conference League second leg game Gent - Mac Haifa at Wednesday
ReplyDeleteSo, they have at least 13 names for the returns:
ReplyDeleteOliver, Taylor, Turpin, Soares Dias, Makkelie, Eskas, Nyberg, Marciniak, Orsato, Vincic, Kruzliak, Gil Manzano, Meler.
5 names will be out or straight to the QF. My sure bets are: Turpin, Vincic, Nyberg and one English.
In Manchester a less experienced name.
Not sure about Marciniak, maybe if they really need him in sth like ATM-INT.
Makkelie with an Italian team wouldn’t surprise me, but could also go straight in the QF.
Gil Manzano is a questionmark after some events, however he surely will be supported by his compatriot.
Orsato feels a bit wasted in some games tbh.
* Sure bets for a return game
DeleteI think if Meler get 2nd leg UEL/UECL, he will be suit for Man City-Copenhagen.
DeleteMeler in Manchester is a good prediction
DeleteI think it will be ideal and fair enough if Manzano after “political” decision in Italy-Ukraine not straight to QF/R16 2nd leg, he should start from UEL/UECL 2nd leg before UCL clash.
DeletePAOK Saloniki - Aris Saloniki:
ReplyDeleteSiebert - Seidel- Foltyn - Koumbarakis
VAR : Cortus(GER) , Buxbaum (GRE)
Panathinaikos - Paok
DeleteWhere is Achmüller at Zwayer?
ReplyDeleteZwayer with a deserved setting!
I heard he was sick at the assistant course in Cyprus, he still has to do the running test
DeleteRegarding the course in Cyprus, I know that many new referees failed the physical tests (SDS).
DeleteDoes anyone know who failed?
Robert Kempter very reserved, his first Champions League game
ReplyDeleteanybody watching Porto-Arsenal?
ReplyDeleteHow is Serdar so far? Correct YC in 2 minute?
MIssed YC for Porto in minute 15?
Zwayer so far: correct YC for reckless challenge (16'), it looked like he didn't want to book player but then he did that. A few minutes ago correct play on following a touch by hand, not punishable, close to penalty area (but still outside).
ReplyDeleteVery good game from Zwayer until this time.
DeleteIndeed some hesitation with that YC in 16' but at the end a correct decision, maybe after advice from a team member. Then, he kept cool head and didn't fall for exaggerated reactions in some incidents. No further cards needed so far. Also in this game not much contact allowed by the referee. It seems like a tactical choice to play it safe, either by referees or even by UEFA.
Delete15 fouls in Porto minute only 27'
ReplyDeleteNon contact sport in porto. Every touch is a foul
ReplyDeleteGözübüyük has significant issues in the first half with managing players during corner kicks. There's constant holding, pushing, players falling down, resulting in frustration, yet he's ineffective in addressing these issues. He issues warnings, but there's no follow-up action. I miss leadership and assertiveness in his approach.
ReplyDeleteAgree. Double YC to show who is in charge would calm down players. 3,4 times same situations and only verbal warnings time after time.
Delete21 fouls in first half of first leg in Cl is indeed very very strange.
ReplyDeleteI am not watching but a goal here and Serdar can get very challenged game.
Pepe is fooling Guzubuyuk all the time.
ReplyDelete60' I think the Porto player went into Havertz's arm rather than the other way round, careless use of arm at most. Understand stricter application in Europe to England but YC seemed rather harsh
ReplyDelete4 yellow cards in period of 10 minutes now in Porto
ReplyDeleteNow, a yellow card for Arsenal, seemingly on the advice of VAR. A brief whistle, and no immediate action towards the Arsenal player, then suddenly a yellow card is shown.
ReplyDelete4th official more likely, it was directly in front of him
DeleteThe game in porto becomes unwatchable because this referee whistles for anything
ReplyDeleteWatching only since the start of the 2nd half, but there was potentially 1 foul whistled that didn't have to be, otherwise it's the players themselves, so how's that the referees fault? 🙄
DeleteThen you really have to watch everything again. He whistles very nitpicky.
DeleteNow challenging game for Zwayer, 1-1 and protests by Barça players, Zwayer booked at least one of them if not more. Of course never VAR stuff. To follow, another correct YC. So far, when 10 minutes are missing to the end, a very good performance by the German, especially in terms of presence.
ReplyDeleteWhy has Gozoboyuk just given a foul for almost nothing, then just sprint off in the other direction, just to have to run back as the player is injured.
ReplyDeleteWell you've clearly answered your question in the first sentence... He also thought it was "almost nothing"... Turns out it simply wasn't 🤷🏼♂️
DeleteI feel for Gözübüyük this evening. Not the most challenging match, but you have Porto players falling over when breathed on, happy to disrupt play, and a mess in the 6 yard box every time a corner comes in. There have been many little difficult moments to manage, and he's done an okay job in the circumstances, the players certainly could have made it easier for him
ReplyDeleteMy mark for Zwayer would be 8.5. Not an extremely challenging game, mostly fair but it was more demanding in the latter stages. The German is now a candidate for something more in Champions League, it is particular to see hat he never officiated a game after Round of 16 in his career!
ReplyDeleteAtletico-Juve, Juve-Lyon Round of 16 por Zwayer.
DeleteAfter round 16 :)
DeleteIt was a good performance indeed, I'm really satisfied with it generally, especially with the way he dealt with any potential problems using his presence and issuing cards when the need arose. He chose a good approach to this game, with optimal foul detection and consistent disciplinary line (including the first YC in 16', which was given after a bit of hesitation, but still set an early tone and sent a needed message to everyone involved). His reaction to some more challenging moments after the Napoli goal was optimal for me, with a good YC for protests to BAR#5. All major decisions were correct, physical aspects without flaws. Therefore, I can agree with Chefren's general assessment.
DeleteI didnt expect you guys to rate his performance that positive tbh. He had better games in the GS. Only thing I find very positive as well is that he looks very prepared for the kind of game he gets (remember EURO qualifier in Italy) and shows great authority. But the foul detection for me was rather on the weak side of what I saw from him this year.
DeleteEarly 2nd leg predictions
ReplyDeleteSociedad - PSG: Soares Dias
Bayern - Lazio: Gil Manzano
ManCity - Copenhagen: Massa
Real - Leipzig: Taylor
Arsenal - Porto: Vincic
Barcelona - Napoli: Marciniak
Atletico - Inter: Oliver
Dortmund - PSV: Orsato
Athletico vs inter Oliver?
DeleteNo chance
Why? He has already done Sociedad-Inter this season, so no problem (anymore) with teams from these nations.
DeleteIt’s just not a suitable game for Oliver, he isn’t particularly good at games like this, rather better in games where he can let it flow
DeleteWell done Zwayer and Gozubuyuk. 👍
ReplyDeleteVery good performance !
DeleteGozubùyuk??? Awful referee.. might as well be officiating in the nfl with whistles every 30 seconds for a touch or a fall here and there.. zero match control. Afraid to let the players flow with the game and express their potential. Champions league game ruined by a referee who simply thinks a player falling over with zero or minimal contact is a foul. 🙄
DeleteSociedad-psg Dias
ReplyDeleteBayern-lazio Nyberg
City-Copenhagen Kruzliac
Real-Leipzig Vincic
Arsenal-Porto Makkelie
Barca-napoli Oliver
Athletico-inter Turpin
Dortmund-psv Gil Manzano
Taylor marciniak and orsato directly into qf
DeletePersonally, I was not a fan of Gözübüyük tonight. He won't be talked about too much, and it was by no means a disaster.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I saw a very 'safe' referee. Any slight contact, or any time a player fell to the ground, he blew his whistle. Difficult situations to manage on the corners particularly, but he gave a phantom foul almost every time when a player fell over. Also, little/no interaction with players, just give the foul and get out of there.
He made the game hard to watch in my opinion. I know it isn't the job of the referee to make the game entertaining, but giving so many soft fouls requires a bit more common sense. I used the word 'safe' because it seemed a very get in there and get out kind of job, where he saw it easier to give everything than to allow the game to flow without extremely soft fouled being whistled.
Perhaps this is just a stylistic thing from my point of view, but I can't imagine Gözübüyük getting 'big' CL KO games based on this kind of performance. He would frustrate teams and play into the hands of those who take advantage of his almost zero-contact tolerance. Completely the opposite to his Dutch Elite colleague, may I add.
As somebody who referees on the field, I often find that if you frustrate the teams, they go onto to make your job even harder. As long as it is within reason, creating an entertaining game with good foul selection could actually make your job easier and allow the players to enjoy the match and compete harder in a fair manner. I completely identify with your post.
DeleteTotally agree, whilst in some games refereeing in this way may actually be useful, It wasn’t this type of game. This is where I think Anthony Taylor could have done better in Sevilla vs Roma. This game will have worked to adopt this “safe” style of reffing. However it’s totally not needed in games where English teams are playing they are used to much more levels of contact which means that they just get wound up by this reffing style. Portuguese league is fairly similar in this regard.
DeleteStrange that he chose this style to referee, he was excellent in Benefica vs Liverpool the other year and let that flow, should have done the same here.
@ K Thomas: I’m NL-based at the moment, and watching a lot of Eredivisie. I can confirm this is his style. His card management has been very strict as well, quite a high YC-average compared to other Dutch referees, which is strange if a referee sets a low bar to whistle fouls. You’d also expect more management and personality from a Elite referee. Apparently the strict line works for him now, as he’s almost never involved in controversial incidents, but games are not always entertaining to watch. Furthermore, he needs to work on his positioning. Recently, in a very fair PSV-Ajax, I noticed that players were running into him at times. Match reading, tactical smartness, positioning, personality, management; it’s what sets a top Elite apart from the rest.
Deletehttps://www.instagram.com/reel/C3oF3p5NZcz/?igsh=cGxlN2sya3g0bWRw
ReplyDeleteI think foul should be given. ( Focus on feet)
https://x.com/a1profesor/status/1760431043805614388?s=46&t=vcL1mIhkfUyWApYpDAzZsA
ReplyDeleteReminder : In 2016 ucl final similar incident was given penalty for Atletico by Clattenburg .
Here are my predictions for the referees at the European Championship (EURO):
ReplyDelete1. Marciniak
2. Makkelie
3. Orsato
4. Massa
5. Turpin
6. Letexier
7. Taylor
8. Oliver
9. Vincic
10. Zwayer
11. Kovacs
12. Sanchez Martinez
13. Manzano
14. Nyberg
15. Meler
16. Dias
17. Grinfeeld
18. A referee from CONMEBOL
Alternative options include Kruzliak, Frappart, Ekberg, and Gözübüyük.
I have just watched the first 45 minutes of POR-ARS and NAP-BAR. Again I am surprised by what a calm and fair snooze fests those 1st leg games are. It seems, the teams are just playing on 80-90% intensity, happy take a draw or 1-0, and save all their energy for the return.
ReplyDeleteI’m not sure how a Refcom could draw any conclusions on a referees form and performance if game displays are like this. Most referees were not challenged at all… The most difficult game to referee was probably PSV-BVB. With two teams playing a high backline, it was the most dynamic game. It would be a nice signal if the Refcom would send Orsato to the return, after the PK discussions.
Last season, it was evident that the Refcom changed their approach, saved all the experienced names for return games. Even after a 3-0 in a quarter-final 1st leg, they still decided to appoint a very experienced name in the returns, to manage player frustrations and all that. It’s a sensible approach for sure, however I hope the Refcom will consider the level of difficulty as well when they start preparing appointments for the next rounds. We know they care a lot about "avoiding headlines" (a bit too much..), however that is simply not fair towards 2nd leg referees as they are automatically more in focus in media. The games will be more challenging and intense as well…
No Frappart in the first 17?
ReplyDeleteComment 09:30: Here are my predictions for the referees at the European Championship (EURO):
1. Marciniak
2. Makkelie
3. Orsato
4. Massa
5. Turpin
6. Letexier
7. Taylor
8. Oliver
9. Vincic
10. Zwayer
11. Kovacs
12. Sanchez Martinez
13. Manzano
14. Nyberg
15. Meler
16. Dias
17. Grinfeeld
18. A referee from CONMEBOL
Alternative options include Kruzliak, Frappart, Ekberg, and Gözübüyük.
Supposing 18 places and one of them is already booked by COMNEBOL referee (Sampaio ?), l see the following 12 names as 100 % sure:
Delete- Artur Riberiro SOARES DIAS (POR)
- Francois LETEXIER (FRA)
- Clement TURPIN (FRA)
- Michael OLIVER (ENG)
- Anthony TAYLOR (ENG)
- Glenn NYBERG (SWE)
- Danny MAKKELIE (NED)
- Felix ZWAYER (GER)
- Daniele ORSATO (ITA)
- Szymon MARCINIAK (POL)
- Svlatko VINCiC (SLO)
- Istvan KOVACS (ROU)
13 places are boked. For the remaining 5, one will be for sure assigned to a spanish referee and right now it seems that GIL MANZANO has hugely eroded his advantage respect to SANCHEZ MARTINEZ; if nothing bad will appear in the next match to MANZANO, I guess he will be the selected one.
For the remaining 4 places I see a pool of 7 candidates: PELIJTO, KRUZLIAK, EKSAS, JOVANOVIC, a second spanish, (Sanchez martinez ?), a second italian (Massa ?) and a second german (Siebert ? Stieler?).
To me Jovanovic and a second german is very unlikely, while Massa is most probable. The excluded ones from this pool could be worthily appointed at Olympic games in Paris
On top of this selection I expect, among elite referees, Hategan and Hernandez Hernandez to be selected as VAR, since they very often act in this role.
But my key question is : when Uefa commette will release the name of selected referees ? If I'm not wrong, they never wait so long time, generally in december names are unveiled
1. Marciniak
Delete2. Pelijto
3. Orsato
4. Guida
5. Turpin
6. Letexier
7. Taylor
8. Oliver
9. Vincic
10. Zwayer
11. Kovacs
12. Sanchez Martinez
13. Manzano
14. Nyberg
15. Gozubuyuk
16. Dias
17. Makkelie or Kruzilak
18. A referee from CONMEBOL
I think MAKKELIE go to Conmebol or Sanchez
I think all of the Euro 2024 referees are have FIFA license from 2010 and over(like 2014 FWC no referees are have FIFA license from 1999 and under) , no 2000s FIFA licensed referee like Hategan, Frappart(women), Collum, Kubalkov
DeleteFor the CL-returns, the 8 logical names are:
ReplyDeleteTurpin, Marciniak, Orsato, Makkelie, one English, Vincic, Soares Dias, Nyberg.
- Turpin and Marciniak. The safe and straightforward choices would be Barcelona-Napoli and Atletico-Inter, respectively. However, in R16 we can see surprise choices (sometimes)
- Orsato, I’m guessing either BVB-PSV or Real-Leipzig. I hope the former. Normally, the Spanish team goes far in CL and it would be sensible to have no restrictions to use Orsato in later stages with RMA.
- Makkelie has already been assigned by KNVB on Thursday Feb 29th in a cup game. This game doesn’t really need him. I’m sensing he will slot in CL on Tuesday (March 5th). In München?
- One English name. In Real-Leipzig or Sociedad-PSG. Hard to guess whether it will be Taylor or Oliver. The former was assigned in UEL. Some reported that Oliver was missing in the appointments for a few weeks. Taylor’s UEL-game could be regular form check, although they can also use Oliver in R16 and keep Taylor for the QF. Time will tell.
- Nyberg. His conference league game under the eyes of Committee indicates something. Something big? Or just a regular test before a return… We should not forget, he’s making his debut in the knock-outs. Normally you won’t see a new name with an Italian team instantly. Normally ;-). I hope they won’t push him too much like Siebert and assign Nyberg to Arsenal-Porto.
-Vincic: if they want to challenge him, to see if he’s ready for a CL-final, we may see him in something like Atletico-Inter. The Refcom have used a similar strategy before, to challenge referees in the R16. If they decide differently, he basically gets the “leftover” game, as a referee from a neutral country :)
-For Man City – Copenhagen: Eskas, Kruzliak and Meler were the first names that came to mind. The game is sensible for a new Elite or middle Elite. However, I’m missing Soares Dias in the appointments. Normally, he should also slot in somewhere. We haven’t seen many Portuguese referee teams so far.
Btw, if they finally have found their backbone and learn something from our comments and fair(!) concerns: just appoint Makkelie to PSG now and Taylor to an Italian team (Przesmycki style). PSG is 2-0 up front and the Italian teams play outside Italy.
Delete