KO phase of 2024-25 Champions League kicks off with the Play Offs. Here the first set of referee assignments for the games to be played on Tuesday 11/02/2025.
18:45 CET - Guingamp (Stade de Roudourou)
STADE BRESTOIS 29 (FRA) - PARIS SAINT GERMAIN (FRA)
Referee: Irfan Peljto BIH
Assistant Referee 1: Senad Ibrišimbegović BIH
Assistant Referee 2: Davor Beljo BIH
Fourth Official: Miloš Gigovic BIH
Video Assistant Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski POL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Piotr Lasyk POL
UEFA Referee Observer:
UEFA Delegate: Rainer Koch GER
21:00 CET - Manchester (City of Manchester Stadium)
MANCHESTER CITY FC (ENG) - REAL MADRID CF (ESP)
Referee: Clément Turpin FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Nicolas Danos FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Benjamin Pages FRA
Fourth Official: Mathieu Vernice FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Jan W. Wegereef NED
UEFA Delegate: Per Eliasson SWE
MANCHESTER CITY FC (ENG) - REAL MADRID CF (ESP)
Referee: Clément Turpin FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Nicolas Danos FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Benjamin Pages FRA
Fourth Official: Mathieu Vernice FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Jan W. Wegereef NED
UEFA Delegate: Per Eliasson SWE
21:00 CET - Turin (Juventus Stadium)
JUVENTUS (ITA) - PSV (NED)
Referee: Daniel Siebert GER
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Seidel GER
Assistant Referee 2: Rafael Foltyn GER
Fourth Official: Daniel Schlager GER
Video Assistant Referee: Christian Dingert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sören Storks GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Manuel Díaz Vega ESP
UEFA Delegate: Loukas Siotropos GRE
JUVENTUS (ITA) - PSV (NED)
Referee: Daniel Siebert GER
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Seidel GER
Assistant Referee 2: Rafael Foltyn GER
Fourth Official: Daniel Schlager GER
Video Assistant Referee: Christian Dingert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sören Storks GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Manuel Díaz Vega ESP
UEFA Delegate: Loukas Siotropos GRE
21:00 CET - Lisbon (Estádio José de Alvalade)
SPORTING CP (POR) - BORUSSIA DORTMUND (GER)
Referee: Espen Eskås NOR
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Erik Engan NOR
Assistant Referee 2:Isaak Elias Bashevkin NOR
Fourth Official:Kristoffer Hagenes NOR
Video Assistant Referee: Dennis Johan Higler NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Rob Dieperink NED
UEFA Referee Observer:
UEFA Delegate:Eugène Westerink NED
SPORTING CP (POR) - BORUSSIA DORTMUND (GER)
Referee: Espen Eskås NOR
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Erik Engan NOR
Assistant Referee 2:
Fourth Official:
Video Assistant Referee: Dennis Johan Higler NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Rob Dieperink NED
UEFA Referee Observer:
UEFA Delegate:
Standard appointment for Eskas, excellent path for Peljto.
ReplyDeleteTurpin getting the big one in first leg seems a reasonable choice to me. No troubles for committee in case of poor performance of an extremely experienced referee (and this will be always valid argument for the French, given his current status), and the chance to assign him to a very big clash but in an intermediate round, after many sub-standard (for him) games in recent times.
The relative surprise is Siebert in Turin, hard or impossible to predict.
He will be back with an Italian team in a rather open game. Easier to get a first leg than a second, but still one of the best assignments for Siebert in recent times.
OT: Felix Brych ends his career at the end of the season.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.dfb.de/news/rekord-schiedsrichter-felix-brych-beendet-karriere?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZkNTwqlblMaA4TPJK2eLqYJxFHWnQYYVkIYuiTAHEKvVHsf1PDQTJOYJc_aem_CoACP2tWXNiL4JmFy8xY_w
DeleteExpected appointments. The "main course" goes to Turpin, who as Chefren said, in case of a bad performance (which I think will not be the case) the committee will not care so much as it is a very experienced referee with nothing to lose. Maybe I don't agree with Siebert's appointment, I'm not his number one fan, but he's an elite referee and has a certain reputation so it's okay. Eskås with a normal task just like Peljto. I'm intrigued to see Dieperink NED as AVAR in the Eskås game, Makkelie on Wednesday? (Brugge-Atalanta?, Celtic-Bayern?) He had a game on Saturday so I see it possible.
ReplyDeleteDierperink could also be VAR for someone like Nyberg or Gözübüyük tomorrow. I doubt we will see Makkelie in a play-off first leg to be honest.
DeleteYes, it’s possible. We’ll see
DeleteEredivisie:
ReplyDeleteFortuna - Ajax.
VAR (Alex Bos) intervened and a penalty was given for handball.
https://x.com/ESPNnl/status/1888606906790637954
Adewoye went into a duel with Weghorst and headed in successfully, but the ball went via his head against his outstretched arm. I believe this was the result of deliberate play, but both Bos and Higler believe it was a clear and punishable handball.
Given that, most people would think it was unfair that he was penalized for the ball accidentally hitting his head during a duel with Weghorst and then hitting his arm.
Was it not a penalty for dragging the player down?
DeleteNo, the referee's (Higler) gesture was clear. During the review, the focus was on where the ball hit.
DeleteTomorrow I will be able to provide footage of the match where the exact opposite happened. What a Sunday...
DeleteAZ - PEC Zwolle:
DeleteVAR (Martijn Vos) intervened and a penalty was cancelled for no handball.
https://youtu.be/JnIhtMu3P9o?t=347
Yes, the complete opposite of Fortuna - Ajax. Aertssen tries to block the shot, making no deliberate play, the ball hit via his body his outstretched right arm.
Errors of only 2 UEFA referees (Higler and Van der Eijk) and 2 VARs? That is unbelievable. This is a structural problem of the KNVB. But will Makkelie and Gözübüyük do the same? It is unbelievable...
I am truly shocked and confused, and to be honest, angry too. They said they were 'following UEFA policy' and stopped standing in front of the cameras after matches, ending a long-standing Dutch tradition. The refereeing committee does not explain the rules at all, and only KNVB spokesmen speak to the media occasionally (Yes, the only exception is our beloved, always open and great Bas Nijhuis). And Raymond van Meenen (new boss of refereeing committee) said last year that he wanted to speak to UEFA to align standards and avoid confusion for clubs and players. But really the first thing they should do is explain the rules they use...
Situation 1 Ajax: this is not “just” a clearance by a defender. His action look clumsy, but the handball was a deliberate one in my view. And so was the pull. The defender has one aim: to keep Weghorst away from the ball who is clearly in a goalscoring position. An OFR is sensible, because it is a crucial moment and Higler is too far away from the situation. For me, PK is the expected decision.
DeleteSituation 2 AZ: is a completely different situation. This is a shot on goal blocked with the left elbow, which is close to the body. The ball doesn't hit the outstretched arm, therefore OFR is correct. Never a penalty.
Fortuna-Ajax:
DeleteThere's a good clip at normal speed at 5:25. If this is 100% an intentional arm movement that should be penalized as a handball, I'd be really annoyed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG_Hjc58kjw
AZ-PEC:
I watched it from 6:08 in slow motion over and over again... It was very hard to see, but I couldn't confirm that the ball hit the right hand. I'm relieved to see that I was wrong. Thank you for pointing that out!
To me it seems like a pretty one-sided view that Adewoye never attempted to head the ball, lost his balance and the ball just accidentally hit his head, and that the movement of his right hand was deliberate and unrelated to a duel.
DeleteBut, if that's the reason, should I be happy that they aren't choosing different rules?
ReplyDeleteGalatasaray vs Adana Demirspor
Clear no penalty that doesn't get overturned in VAR.
Then 15 minutes later Adana players just walked off the pitch unhappy with refereeing.
Nothing surprising.
00:55
https://youtu.be/CjQFkUc90bI?si=euYJDKL59bfz-olf
It's incredible to see how much "accurate" this simulation is.
DeleteThe most blatant one I ever saw.
The defender only puts his leg.
The attacker clings to it in an incredible way, you can understand the specific movement he makes to be sure to have contact and drag himself. It's incredible.
Under the fair play point of view, fully unacceptable. These penalties should be removed by VAR, but I know it's hard, due to an existing contact.
Referee was Cakir, the new one on FIFA list, the VAR from Denmark, Sundberg.
Full chaos in Turkish refereeing at moment!
They changed the guideline of referee categories for this guy to make him on the FIFA list this season. He has no referee talent unfortunately.
Deletenot everything is so clear-cut. it's not easy
Deleteno goal decision from Zwayer after sent to monitor in Kiel https://www.sport1.de/tv-video/video/diese-szene-ist-fuer-holtby-ein-skandal__8E533B13-E057-466D-BC87-5CF946E0A19B from 07:04
ReplyDeleteThis might be unpopular, but I'm going to say it anyway. I don't like this intervention at all. Zwayer had a good position to make a judgement and deemed it no foul. I think I made a similar comment to the intervention for Scharer in Shaktar-Breast, when there was a goal disallowed in 2nd half stoppage time for a foul in the APP, that I felt was also wrongly disallowed. I understand why Zwayer was called to the screen (based on the considerations) but for me this is the wrong direction for VAR intervention and undermines the authority of the referee.
DeleteAbsolutely wrong OFR to me. You can't even be sure there was contact with opponent's face. More than soft, rather non-existent foul. Let alone calling a referee at monitor for that...
Deletehttps://youtu.be/2gd68glj5s8?si=luZT4B-lawfe8ZOT Czech first league - YC/RC? For me SPA
ReplyDeleteI would say a red would even be wrong in this case, it's absolutely too far away from goal with players who can recover
DeleteYC expected decision, definitely too far from the goal and you can't be sure about the other defenders ruled out.
DeleteI think a RC could be just supported by VAR but with many discussions and not the best choice, in that case.
OT: Seems that the selection process for WWC2027 has begun.
ReplyDeleteSource: Tori Penso IG stories.
OFR in pig-breast for handball
ReplyDelete17'
Deletehttps://streamin.me/v/57ba65a1
DeleteCorrect OFR, clear penalty.
missed on field by peljto, imo this could have been detected without the intervention of var.
DeleteVery clear situation, maybe could've been spotted live by Peljto, but handballs in crowded penalty areas are some of the hardest decisions to get right in football
DeleteThe arm is slightly behind the body. I don't think any blame can be put on Peljto. I'd say it seems harsh but we all know Uefa like these as handball
DeleteWhat about a possible card in this situation? Because defender blocks a clear shot on goal. For me personally this should have been a yc but I‘m not sure about the recently changed handball rule…
DeleteThere has been a change starting from this season, indeed. A guideline also received in Italy: no YC anymore for shots on goal inside the box, because penalty is considered enough punishment (this is similar to the old change about genuine DOGSO and SPA). Unless keeper is not there and for this reason you can even think about a red caerd (ball about to enter in the net without doubts).
DeleteSecond VAR intervention for disallowing 0-3. In this case no blame for AR2, too much difficult. Correct to stay down in doubt.
ReplyDeleteNot a very challenging match for Peljto and a fairly predictable progress of it. The two yellows hae gave were correct, OK to solve the possible mass confrontation without issuing other cards, good not to give a penalty in a too soft circumstance. If he had seen the handball live, it would have been better for the final assessment.
ReplyDeleteThe return match doesn't look like a big affair for the referee at the Parc des Princes.
In terms of difficulty, perhaps today one could have expected a little more, given PSG's difficulties in the previous phase of Champions League, and the fact that it was a French derby, but evidently opponents were too weak.
Very satisfied with what I saw from Peljto tonight. Penalty very hard to spot,two correct yellow cards, and very good communication through all game. I think that after such performance his path could be Round of 16 in CL, Europa League Semifinal and Conference League final. We will se.
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteDon't think he's ready for a final just yet, but could see a Champions League QF and then a semifinal in either Europa or Conference
DeleteExtremely long VAR check for handball and offside in Manchester, goal confirmed.
ReplyDeleteLooked like offside based on the angle. They need to draw a line. His knee looked nearer to the goal line than the second last opponent. And also past the ball. But maybe it’s the camera angle.
DeleteIs SAOT not working today? Also in Brest-PSG there was a very long check.
DeleteCorrect conclusion but took far too long
DeleteMan City’s goal shows up all the negatives of VAR. Over 4 minutes delay is frankly ridiculous. Looking for a way to rule out the goal. Fine if it’s very clear but we are talking about millimetres here. Takes all the passion out of the game.
ReplyDelete4minutes for that, plus the Grealish injury/subsitution, and the Mbappe broken shoelace, yet still only 4 added...
DeleteEvery time I watch Turpin, it reminds me of John Blankenstein. Movements,
ReplyDeletegestures, body language... He even rolls up the sleeves of his shirt in the same way.
Minute 71, pass into the penalty area and then gets recklessly challenged.
ReplyDeleteCorrect penalty by Turpin
ReplyDeletePerfect advantage by Siebert 2nd goal Juve
ReplyDeleteOne of those supportable either way penalties whistled by Turpin. To his credit was decisive in his decision making. But you couldn’t say it’s able to be seen “from the moon “.
ReplyDeleteCeballos clearly made contact with his right knee. IMO it's %100 penalty.
Deleteagree 100% aswell, the only thing is that maybe he's outside of the box but no problem for me
DeleteThere is an argument that the Foden- Ceballos collision was unavoidable. Normal football contact, coming together, call it what you will. But a 100% penalty is a bit of a stretch. For me and it being such a big call I would have preferred play on but I can understand why it was whistled.
DeleteIt's without any doubt a clear offence. Therefore a penalty.
DeleteCompletely agree with the majority here, for me no doubt whatsoever about whether or not a foul. Inside/outside was difficult, but with Var we can safely assume he got the call right.
DeleteBut the 71. minute incident VG already mentioned earlier is more doubtful. Actually I expected a penalty for City after the late tackle (ball already shot) which seemed reckless to me.
Good game from Turpin. Correct PK, no need for YCs at any point, total control always. Both teams only interested in playing football so not the most challenging game but he had full respect throughout.
ReplyDeleteOther than a lengthy VAR review beyond his control (correct on field decision), and IMO a missed foul on Bellingham towards the end, a very good night for the French crew.
* I should say VAR check, not review :)
DeleteThe more I look at the replay of the Turpin penalty, the more it looks outside the box.
ReplyDeleteFoden is stepping on the line. IMO the incident is inside.
DeleteGood performance by Siebert in a fair and easy match. Great advantage before decisive 2:1 goal! Only point for discussion could be a possible handball before the 1:1 equaliser by PSV. Siebert indicated that it rather hit the chest, which seems to be correct.
ReplyDeleteOutstanding by Turpin again .... His refereeing is just a beauty to watch .... Very well done ! He also clearly has the respect of most of the players on the pitch !
ReplyDeleteFollowing up on Peter’s comments about UEFA appointments in relation to referees invited to the UEFA course:
ReplyDeleteI noticed the name of Allard Lindhout, #3 of his country. If we assume Lindhout will get a match, it will rather be a Conference League play-off next week (is my expectation).
Moreover, the same applies to Gozubuyuk. As #2 of his country, we should definitely see him next week: a form check to see what he’s capable of into the next rounds. Gozubuyuk has a game on Saturday with a full international crew: regular ARs, Joey Kooij as 4O and Van Boekel as VAR. Normally, that should indicate a Champions League match.
If Lindhout and Gozubuyuk both have a match, I expect Makkelie to skip the play-offs as the Netherlands probably doesn’t have 3 slots available.
I think we can expect the same strategy for other countries with >3 referees at the course. In that case, the most experienced referee could skip the play-off round, to make room for the others, and will make a first appearance in R16.
If we count all the referees at the Elite courses and subtract those, who are injured (Guida, Kruzliak), we only have 50 referees in total available for 48 games this and next week.
DeleteSo if it is indeed restricted to participants (and nobody gets two games), nearly everyone will get a game.
And there might be more injuries or other unavailabilities, we don't know about.
So yes, it is possible not to see all three Dutch referees, but it can't be true at the same time for the French, English, German and Spanish referees, because of the numbers.
True! You have a point there. There are more games this season.
DeleteMy thoughts do not apply to most of the Top-5 countries, as these countries shall be entitled to be appointed to more games anway.
- Germany: Zwayer, Stieler and Siebert attended the winter course. Germany without a doubt has 3 slots.
- The French had 4 attendees: Bastien, Turpin, Letexier and Brisard. All very experienced. Let’s see if there is “room” for all of them.
- Italy had 4 referees at the course. Guida is injured, so the other 3 will be appointed for sure.
- England: Taylor, Oliver and Kavanagh. I’d consider to at least use Kavanagh somewhere early (in R32), given his experience in UEFA.
However, some of the “smaller” countries had 3 referees at the winter course, like Slovenia and Netherlands. And I’m not so sure whether they have 3 slots.
Netherlands has two Elites, and more often than not, a choice has to be made between the two of them. The domestic appointment indicates we will see Gozubuyuk.
Some countries had only one 1 attendee at the course, for example Peljto, who is doing well and therefore all the available games are assigned to him :)
I always call it the "apple pie" theory. Distribution in proportion… It is not about giving the game to a referee, but rather to a country.