2024-25 UEFA Women's Champions League, referee assignments for Semifinals (Second Legs) .
15:00 CET - London (Stamford Bridge)
CHELSEA FC (ENG) - FC BARCELONA (ESP)
Referee: Tess Olofsson SWE
Assistant Referee 1: Almira Spahić SWE
Assistant Referee 2: Monica Brun Løkkeberg NOR
Fourth Official: Frida Mia Klarlund Nielsen DEN
Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Bruno Lopes Martins POR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Hélder Miguel Azevedo Malheiro POR
UEFA Referee Observer:
UEFA Delegate:
18:00 CET - Décines-Charpieu (Groupama Stadium)
OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS (FRA) - ARSENAL WOMEN FC (ENG)
Referee: Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Francesca Di Monte ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Franca Overtoom NED
Fourth Official: Silvia Gasperotti ITA
Video Assistant Referee: Aleandro Di Paolo ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jelena Cvetković SRB
UEFA Referee Observer:Sofia Karagiorgi CYP
UEFA Delegate: Roxana Berceanu ROU
Referee: Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Francesca Di Monte ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Franca Overtoom NED
Fourth Official: Silvia Gasperotti ITA
Video Assistant Referee: Aleandro Di Paolo ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jelena Cvetković SRB
UEFA Referee Observer:
UEFA Delegate: Roxana Berceanu ROU
OT: I am utterly speechless regarding the appointments for QF ACL Elite 2025. With all matches being held in Jeddah and 3 out of 4 fixtures officiated by referees from Arab countries, the situation raises serious concerns. What’s even more perplexing is the lack of urgency or rationale behind splitting the officiating teams 2-2, rather than assigning a full team from a single nation. Shame on you, Hani Ballan, you are unfit to remain as chairman.
ReplyDeleteAl Hilal SFC – Gwangju FC
Referee: Ahmad Al-Ali KUW (photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Abdulhadi Al-Anezi KUW
Assistant Referee 2: Ramzan Al-Naemi QAT
Fourth Official: Salman Falahi QAT
Reserve AR: Mohamed Al-Hammadi UAE
VAR: Khamis Al-Marri QAT
AVAR: Fu Ming CHN
Referee Assessor: Valentin Kovalenko UZB
26 April 2025
Al Ahli FC – Buriram United
Referee: Ahmed Al Kaf OMA
Assistant Referee 1: Abu Al Amri OMA
Assistant Referee 2: Jun Mihara JPN
Fourth Official: Yusuke Araki JPN
Reserve AR: Mohamad Tan MAS
VAR: Muhammad Bin Jahari SIN
AVAR: Khamis Al-Marri QAT
Referee Assessor: Valentin Kovalenko UZB
Yokohama Marinos – Al Nassr
Referee: Adel Al-Naqbi UAE
Assistant Referee 1: Ahmed Al-Rashedi UAE
Assistant Referee 2: Mohammad Al-Kalaf JOR
Fourth Official: Adham Makhadmeh JOR
Reserve AR: Park Kyun-Yong KOR
VAR: Omar Al-Ali UAE
AVAR: Fu Ming CHN
Referee Assessor: Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh MAS
Ah I forgot to add Ammar Mahfoods from Bahrain appointed to the final (single leg) of ACL 2 2025 the match between Lion City Sailors (SGP) vs Sharjah FC (UAE), will played in Bishan Stadium, SGP (capacity: approx. 6.000), wdyt about the logic of the committee?
DeleteThe match between South East vs West, the referee from the West with Central and East referee available, e.g. Kim Jong Hyeok, Yusuke Araki, Ilgiz Tantashev, Mooud Bonyadifard.
Even if the referee from the West, how they couldn't appoint best referees from the region, I mean the referee who already appointed for CWC, simple logic that Ballan couldn't get it right. Who is Mahfoods? I only know the one, one of the greatest referee from the region is Nawaf Shukralla.
Very small stadium for "a final of the first edition for new format competition", already change the venue because Sharjah complaint about artificial turf of Lion City stadium for continental match (Jalan Besar Stadium), the Bishan Stadium was local stadium for Lion City with natural turf and at the same time of the match the national stadium with 55.000 spectators will held Lady Gaga concert.
De Burgos Bengoetxea breaks down in tears at the press conference before the Cup final: "When your son goes to school and there are children who tell him that his father is a thief and he comes home crying, that's really tough."
ReplyDeletehttps://x.com/mundodeportivo/status/1915735374808203670
Spanish football and pressuring the referees, name a better duo.. Definitely a terrible look before the Classico
And as a result, Real Madrid have already requested for De Burgos Bengoetxea and González Fuertes to be removed from the final
Delete"Spanish football and pressuring the referees, name a better duo" ... Okay, I name Greek/Turkish/Cypriot football and pressuring referees :D
DeleteEven though the arguments are understandable and we offer to De Burgos all our support, frankly making statements like that and starting to cry during the press conference for this match (which it wasn't a mandatory event for the referees) is in my opinion completely out of place and does nothing but just increase tension.
DeleteA wrong move by the RFEF, clearly. If I were De Burgos, I would not have come to this during the conference, though.
While maybe not mandatory I’ve seen many referees do press conferences before Spanish cup finals, so they are definitely the norm. A bit unfair to blame De Burgos, I suspect no one here has gone through such a vitriolic campaign questioning your integrity especially on what for him is the eve of what should be one of the proudest moments of his career. Not sure what you mean by if “I were De Burgos I would not have come to this during the conference” are you suggesting you know how exactly your emotions would be in the same situation?
DeleteNo one doubts about what De Burgos stated, as well as many other referees victims of that.
DeleteWe always condemn any form of abuse.
That said, if I can express my opinion, my opinion is that I would not have done this in a press conference of a Super Cup match, where every little statement can be used to increase pressure and controversy.
I am the first to call for the humanization of the referee, but here the timing seems wrong to me, there are opportune moments. The fans can still be invited to reflect on this issue, anyway.
Wrong move by RFEF to have him handle this type of match IMO.
DeleteCause they could appoint him in future years,sure thing is that El Clasico Final would not happen every year,not every Cup Final will be Clasico .
But to have him appointed for Clasico with his Clasico history and with both of these clubs is big risk by RFEF and I would not be surprised if one side that loses files a complaint even more against De Burgos.
Cause last match he officiated against Barca was the one vs Atletico when he did not see clear handball and in that attack Atletico scored.
He also had controversial decisions with Real and Vinicius when they faced Valencia.
And about El Clasico,we all remeber 2017. and his soft penalty to Barca and soft (maybe wrong)RC towards Ronaldo.
So wrong and risky move by RFEF with his appoitment .
Wishing nothing but best for him.
https://www.realmadrid.com/es-ES/noticias/club/comunicados/comunicado-oficial-25-04-2025
DeleteTell me if now De Burgos will be in the best condition to officiate the game...
Maybe De Burgos accepted the bait of Real Madrid, but Madrid are the only ones to blame here they cannot replace the referee team just because Madrid want to.
DeleteI have to agree with Chefren here, though I do not defend what Madrid is doing, but what De Burgos did in the press conference was just out of place ( I think it's the first time I see this kind of thing happening) and it just made this match impossible to referee for him.
DeleteIt seems also that a lot of things are happening behind the scenes and Medina Cantalejo is just not being back at all by the referees and will be dismissed according to some rumors.
It also seems that initially, the final was going to be refereed by Soto Grado, who has seen it stripped from him due to behind the scenes problem with Medina ...
These are just rumors but I guess we'll see what will happen by the end of the season.
And also,De Burgos already had in 2023.Clasico Final,Super Cup.
DeleteSo it's not like he has not had a privilege to be involved with biggest match on biggest occasion.
RFEF could have easily appointed someone else.
Considering her appointment in QF of Youth League, my guess for the final is Martincic.
ReplyDeleteFelix Zwayer without a domestic appointment this weekend, seems like we will see him next week, maybe even in CL?
ReplyDeleteBarcelona - Real Madrid
ReplyDelete1H Key match incidents:
16' PAI handball
https://streambug.org/cv/b05b3d
30' YC RMA14 for reckless tackle - possible RC for SFP
https://streambug.org/cv/fb4f70
45+2' Referee indicates he would've awarded a penalty but it was offside at first, correct
https://streambug.org/cv/6ef515
IMO very good first half by de Burgos under a lot of pressure. Play on calls in 16‘ and also 44‘ (holding) supportable, penalties to be whistled by referee only in case. Also a few excellent advantages applied. He has to keep up with this…
DeleteWow, what a great first half by De Burgos don't you think? His style with chaotic exterior but very good understanding of the game (like Mazic) is working really well until now, and always dealing with mobbing in an adequate way. Also like Mazic, great fitness to keep up with the dynamic attacks in this match. Hopefully the report at fulltime can be equally positive!
Delete45' PAI holding (reported by Jojo)
Deletehttps://streambug.org/cv/e9cab7
Agreed. Given the hostile context of the game, his officiating deserves RESPECT. I feel like he overall allowed Madrid players too much, but one can't blame him too much for that imo. He has done more than surviving thus far: he's actually leading the game with his expressive and sincere demeanor.
DeletePretty interesting the way he speaks to the players in tense situations. Very dramatic but I think it works.
DeleteWell, two incidents to review very closely in additional time 😀.
DeleteWhile I think overturning the penalty awarded to Barcelona was a sensible decision (Raphina dragged his foot to initiate a contact, which in the end not even seemed to have happened), I’m in trouble with the no-penalty call immediately before, when Rüdiger evidently tripped Ferran. From one replay there’s clear evidence of the trip and it’s impact.
Delete56' Deliberate pass to GK?
Deletehttps://streambug.org/cv/966ffd
90+4' PAI kicking
https://streambug.org/cv/8c3946
90+6' [OFR] Penalty revoked and YC for simulation issued
https://streambug.org/cv/7f790a
Disgusting behaviour in the Madrid technical zone in added time, resulting in a sending off of Rüdiger. And a couple of others could (should) have followed.
DeleteSome minutes earlier, in 118, De Burgos escaped a second Ofr after awarding a penalty (but Gavi played the ball) to Madrid just before his Ar signaled offside.
But, emphasis on the disgusting, ridiculous behaviour of the Madrid team officials and substitutes and substituted players. These individuals need mental therapy.
118' Referee indicates he would have awarded a penalty if not the offside before
Deletehttps://streambug.org/cv/cb1fec
120+2' RC RMA22 for throwing the water bottle in direction of the referee, no cards to RMA9, RMA7 for dissent
https://streambug.org/cv/77e0bf
IMO both situations at the end of regular time solved correctly. While I agree with Unknown‘s analysis on the OFR, I think Rüdiger‘s tripping isn’t enough for a penalty (and definitely not for an OFR IMO). His leg movement seems to be really normal to me, I don’t see a clear careless action.
DeleteHis decisions are okay but his body language and mannerism is awful for a pro ref. Looks stressed, tries to become friends with everyone and his hands are everywhere.
ReplyDeleteStupid from Rudiger throwing an object at the referee
ReplyDeleteRudiger!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope he gets banned for life. This is absolutely disgusting behavior. What sort of message are we showing young players?
I cannot believe what I saw.
What a disgraceful behavior by Real especially Rudiger and Vinicius. Shame on this scandalous attitudes.
ReplyDeleteTerrible behaviour by Real Madrid, both before and during the game. Mobbing after some clear-cut calls and awful reaction after correct(!) defensive FK in the last action of the game. Rüdiger with a straight red card for attempt to throw a water bottle(?) at the referee... He had to be held back by three people in order to prevent him attacking the referee. Shocking...
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, very hard match, as expected. For playing, as Well as for refereeing, especially after enormous pressure grob Real on the referee. Second, ARs were brilliant, no mistakes at all in some close situations, and the game was fast, many counterattacks…Third, the ref was overall good, several suspicious decisions, all in Real PK area, but at the end it was justice Barca to win. Fourth, Real players are real shame. If one club in the history of football was pushed from the refs - it was Real Madrid. And they allow themselves to behave like this, pushing enormous pressure on the ref from the first until 122 minute. Disgrace. I expect that Rudiger is finished this season - his behaviour is a real shame.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree.
DeleteBut I am so proud and happy for Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea! What a performance in the most important and crucial match in his career. So much pressure put on him… but he solved everything as if there wasn’t any pressure, which I think is very very hard. I can’t imagine and I don’t want to imagine how tough the recent nights must have been for him, but I totally grant him the relief he must feel at a later point after the game. Now I think, he can ignore any complaints by Real because he knows that they are nothing more than silly and he knows what he achieved in this game.
IMO, it's a bad image to see both teams ignoring the referees at the medal ceremony, no guard of honor, support, etc.
ReplyDeletehttps://streambug.org/cv/6a243b
This video shows nothing. We even see the president of Real Mardid shaking the referee's hand. The referee, despite the pressure of the match, gave an excellent performance. That's all there is to remember about this match.
ReplyDeleteCan't watch the stuff in detail, but here my opinion on major incidents.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have been 100% convnced by the penalty if not offside in first half, "good" (for me) that it was offside.
Correct NO PENALTY for handball.
Possible penalty for Barcelona in 94', kick with low intensity, in case of whistle, VAR would have supported.
To follow one minute later, excellent call by VAR to remove the penalty, I think it's a situation in which you whistle always penalty from the pich, it's very hard, you can't spot player is simulating because very close to opponent and the fact that there isn't almost a contact, it's not immediate to detect. I would even dare to say that another VAR could have supported referee, this was a brave call.
Again, if De Burgos had whistled previous penalty for the small kick, VAR could have done nothing.
Real Madrid can't absolutely say anything about major decision, they could make criticize only on field decision before VAR intervention when the penalty was removed, but in the end correct decision was made.
Then in the end of the game they lost the mind, but rather due to the fact they were losing and the background, not for referee's fault.
Glad to har it was a good performance by him, penalty area incidents are always difficult to judge and you can miss something.
I agree with you. To be honest, Bengoetxea shut them up with high lever performance in hard conditions that he worked in.
DeleteThis Milos Gigovic, international from Bosnia and Herzegovina is incredible, look at this penalty and scenes that followed
ReplyDeletehttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o_z42lbFCzY
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gdWc5LE3ILk&pp=ygUVc2xvYm9kYSBwb3N1c2plIHBlbmFs
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o_z42lbFCzY&pp=ygUVc2xvYm9kYSBwb3N1c2plIHBlbmFs
Vincic referee Arsenal - PSG is confirmed
ReplyDeleteWatching Real Madrid yesterday has been an absolute disgrace for football IMO. Mocking the referee at every possibility, demanding card where they are not mandatory...
ReplyDeleteThere was the good start with the caution for Ancelloti for dissent, but then nothing followed for the italian in that direction. (and the TV broadcast showed him a few more times dissenting...)
Do we have to talk about Vini? An absolute disaster in terms of sportsmanship...
He should have been sanctioned for demanding a card in such an obvious way a few times.
Real Madrid needs a clean restart without such clowns on or besides the field.
Both team did show a great match when it comes to their technical abilites, speed and tactical things.
But those clowns really destroy the beauty of football...
I think that Frappart is the favorite to officiate the final
ReplyDeleteFrappart or Martincic favourites for the final probably. Interesting that Italian ref Gasperotti was FO for two matches in the Semi final.
ReplyDelete