The first two games of 2024-25 UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals, referee assignments.
21:00 CET - London (Emirates)
ARSENAL FC (ENG) - REAL MADRID CF (ESP)
Referee: Irfan Peljto BIH
Assistant Referee 1: Senad Ibrišimbegović BIH
Assistant Referee 2: Davor Beljo BIH
Fourth Official: Miloš Gigovic BIH
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Christian Dingert GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Stavros Tritsonis GRE
UEFA Delegate: Adonis Procopiou CYP
21:00 CET - Munich (Allianz Arena)
FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN (GER) - FC INTERNAZIONALE (ITA)
Referee: Sandro Schärer SUI
Assistant Referee 1: Stéphane De Almeida SUI
Assistant Referee 2: Jonas Erni SUI
Fourth Official: Lukas Fähndrich SUI
Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San SUI
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel NED
FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN (GER) - FC INTERNAZIONALE (ITA)
Referee: Sandro Schärer SUI
Assistant Referee 1: Stéphane De Almeida SUI
Assistant Referee 2: Jonas Erni SUI
Fourth Official: Lukas Fähndrich SUI
Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San SUI
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Björn Kuipers NED
UEFA Delegate: Gijs De Jong NED
UEFA Delegate: Gijs De Jong NED
A little bit Surprising, but good that these referees get a chance in this stage of the tournament.
ReplyDeleteAnd its the first match.
I predict a certain appointment at Villa VS Psg its the lowest QF in CL.
It's indeed possible that all four first legs assignment will follow this path, with PSG - Aston Villa being on paper, as you said, the lowest ranked (due to Aston Villa, but still we have PSG..) and then in Barcelona another committee member, so another appointment like Schaerer in Munich is possible. Maybe Nyberg? I think committee worked in this way to have free options for bigger names in second legs, in case. And it's also good to have some unexpected assignments...
DeleteYess Nyberg or Eskas are logical choices Barcelona Dortmund
DeleteAnd two promising referees.
Maybe Zwayer at PSG game?
He is not so good for a semifinal in CL and two german teams in other games.
I believe Nyberg should be nominated for BAR-DOR, especially given his appearances in games involving teams from the Iberian Peninsula, including the Netherlands vs Spain match in the Nations League, where there was some discussion about the play involving Hato and Le Normand culminating in RC, but in my opinion the Swede was right. He has refereed Real against Salzburg, but I have yet to see him in a debate involving Barcelona.
DeleteWonderful to see Peljto appointed. FFBH should be very proud to see this greet progression.
DeleteI didnt expect Scharer, to be honest. So the penalty decision in Dortmund-Lille match was assesed as correct one. IMO very soft penalty
ReplyDeleteEven more surprising that San is trusted enough to be his VAR after his missed intervention in INTFEY imo
DeleteI would like to know Rosetti's opinion on what was decided by the committee and the observer of that match to agree with that penalty given by Scharer on Pierre Mauroy? I have the idea that a very mild tangle between players cannot have an impact, much less be an important element in signaling a penalty.
DeleteEredivisie: Ajax - NAC Breda
ReplyDeleteReferee: Danny Makkelie / VAR: Rob Dieperink
Penalty and YC decision
https://x.com/ESPNnl/status/1908905176288686156
RC seems like a pretty easy choice. In fact, this should be GOGSO by holding. Why YC?
Red card
DeleteIts a ippon!
Not a football action includes red card.
Makkelie hasnt a good season so far.
Makkelie should have shown a red card here for DOGSO. I am trying to figure out why the YC because GK was not playing or attempting to play the ball.
DeleteThis is a red card now, DOGSO for sure, what’s happening to Makkelie…
ReplyDeleteFor me, this is actually a good yellow card. The attacker has his back to goal, doesn’t yet have clear control to make a shot and the goalkeeper holds and trips his legs. This is a situation where football understanding is absolutely appropriate. The idea of “attempt to play the ball” has long been interpreted more broadly, as a challenge for the ball.
ReplyDeleteWhy would you want to see a penalty, a red card
and a suspension for this? Why choose the most severe option, while this decision is widely accepted? Referees who rely solely on the rulebook will see red here. I see elements that support going for yellow instead.
In my opinion, well done managed. And to claim based on this single moment that Makkelie is having a bad season? That’s laughable. Brave and correct decision.
I agree with you, RefPro
DeleteI think the real foul is tripping with a little help of holding/pushing actually. That gives an option to classify the foul as challenge for the ball. And, to be honest, it's optimal given the current trends.
DeleteYes I don't get how people dare to question Makkelie. Brave, remarkable decision. No one reads the game and understands football like him which is why he's the favourite to handle all finals in the upcoming years. His ability to control the game is second to none and this fantastic decision shows what an exceptional referee he is. I have yet to see him ever making a bad call.
DeleteAll of them’ is a bit of an exaggeration, but definitely the UCL final this year. Then again… with all the politics involved, you can never be too sure.
DeleteHowever, without this foul, wouldn't the Ajax's player have had plenty of time to control the ball and shoot?
DeleteIf you @MQ have nothing serious to add to this discussion on a content level you should consider moving to the blog about the art of cynism. Maybe in that place clowning around is received well.
DeleteAnd if you have anything against Makkelie, spit it out as this is yet another cynical reaction from your hand to Makkelie or the readers who agree with a decision.
After the game, the Ajax striker himself stated to the press that the legs of the goalie made him fell. Therefore, ESF definitely has a point here.
Delete@Unknown I'm just trying to fit in with the narrative that's been in place for years regarding Makkelie. Surely so many people can't be wrong. He's evidently been robbed time and time again despite never making any mistakes.
DeleteYou call it clowning, but what then is constantly turning a blind eye to blatant mistakes? No other referee has a defense brigade like he does on this blog.
Maybe I'm in the wrong and this was a wrestling match, in that case well done and bravo Makkelie!
@MQ
DeleteWell, defense brigade is exaggerated. Most people here agree that Makkelie was robbed in 2022. Should have gotten the UCL final. I think a lot of people here grant him a final, only for that reason. Cause we’ve witnessed how his form dropped afterwards. Well done UEFA.
To be honest, in the period 2019-2021 Makkelie was better than Kuipers. The latter blocked Makkelie in his prime.
Nobody said that Makkelie as of 2023 to present was brilliant. Rather the contrary. He made mistakes, could have done things differently or smarter. He was unlucky with political decisions. Unlucky with key match incidents that influenced the course of the game. He certainly is not a textbook referee. He is a brave and honest referee and I hope we will ever see him in topform again.
If you are curious about improvement in AFC refereeing...
ReplyDeletehttps://streambug.org/cv/fce25c
https://streambug.org/cv/a8d461
https://streambug.org/cv/5fdea7
WARNING: the videos linked above could cause emotional trauma ;)
OMG😰
DeleteAs a poor argument for these incidents, we could say that the referees don't realize at all the severity of the situations, not having the idea to expect something so serious, because if they really see things like that and they don't punish it, well, it's better to quit refereeing.
DeleteIn all cases, very weak appearances.
First two incidents: poor positioning by the referee and no help from perfectly positioned fourth officials
DeleteThird incident: it's so wrong on so many levels. To allow CHN players to continue play with two KSA players on the ground, then to have a perfect view on a real assault that should lead to an extremely long suspension and to not issue any card is simply unbelievable.
If I were the head of referees, both fourth officials (‘Alī al-Ašqar LBN and Daniel Elder AUS) and the referee of KSACHN (Muḥammad aš-Šammarī QAT) would be on a plane home.
Hi Euro Soccer Ref,
DeleteI’ve always been interested in reading and watching all videos you share. Always intriguing!
Unfortunately the 2nd and 3rd link are no longer working. Can you please state the game and the minute of the incident so that I can watch them?
Have you been watching the tournament? Any referees caught your eye?
Hmm, they work for me. However, KSACHN 23' and 63'.
DeleteSo far, I watched only first four games:
Maḥmūd as-Sawālima JOR in UZBTHA
- possible 2YC to 3UZB for SPA (46'), should've been given imo
- 2YC to 4THA for SPA/reckless (54'), okay
- missed RC to 22THA for SFP/VC in front of 4OF (60')
- acceptable play-on in APP at Goal UZB (80')
- possible SFP/VC but no replay (90+3')
- poor procedure of doubtful YC in 25' (advice from AR2) and 2YC in 54', avoidable YCs in 44' and 70'
- no reaction against kicking the ball after whistle (7', 10', 45+3')
Muḥammad aš-Šammarī QAT in KSACHN
- missed RC to 7CHN for SFP in front of 4OF (23')
- rather correct no-handball by goalscorer (45+2')
- goal disallowed due to ball out of play detected by AR2 (54')
- not stopping play with two KSA players injured leading to missed RC to 2KSA for VC despite having a clear view on the incident (63')
- PAI trailing leg tackle, okay play on as the attacker put the leg in front of defender when he had already initiated his tackle (89')
- possible YCs in 18' (step on foot), 66' (LoR handball), 70' (holding), 70' (high studs challenge and reckless tackle), no reaction against kicking the ball after whistle (20', 52') and dissent (21')
- good assessment of no deliberate pass to GK (26')
Jin Jingyuan CHN in KORIDN
- correct penalty for handball, making himself bigger (90+1')
- no reaction on GK controlling the ball for 25 seconds (90+8')
- possible YCs in 28' (reckless high kick), 38' (SPA), 39' (SPA), 43' (another foul by 14IDN), 49' (reckless tackle), 87' (reckless challenge)
Kim Yu-jeong KOR in AUSVIE
- correct penalty for tackle, rather no foul initiating APP (26')
- no goal decision by AR1 at penalty (29')
- PAI illegal use of arm followed by PAI step on leg (borderline first incident but acceptable play-on and interesting second PAI with a player jumping for the ball landing on his opponent's leg with the ball still in play, 61')
- PAI pushing (68')
- PAI YC 11AUS for simulation (75', no replay but the call was accepted)
- overmotivated impression in 3' and 19', it's okay but calmer warnings would be optimal in order to not shoot out all munition for minor things
- play-on after tackle by 6AUS and potential SPA by 11AUS, then possible YC 10AUS for SPA holding and only warning 20AUS for delaying the restart (45')
- too late reaction on head injury (90+5')
- possible YCs in 6' (step on foot), 70' (step on foot), 71' (reckless kick), 83' (reckless tackle and dissent)
- not falling for simulation of VIE players (90+7', 90+9')
OT: FIFA announced today that referees will wear body cameras in the Super Club World Cup matches. The new feature will be implemented on a trial basis, after tests authorized by the International Football Association Board (IFAB)
ReplyDeletehttps://inside.fifa.com/refereeing/news/referee-seminars-club-world-cup-2025-pierluigi-collina
OT: I am not sure if it has published here recently but, I came across this in X recently. The new UEFA Ref Observers' Course would be held in Nice during 14-15 May and Turkish FF updated its list. Most important change is Cuneyt Cakir has been removed from TFF list but he'll continue on behalf of Georgian FF.
ReplyDeletehttps://x.com/SerdarAkcer/status/1908088970526793794
Thanks, very interesting
DeleteIt's very interesting indeed because it's simply impossible to find information about the lists of UEFA observers.
DeleteWe can read many very well known names here, but I admit, there are also a few ones I rarely heard before.
Does he have any preexisting connection to Georgia? Or is it just a situation where they’re offering him some help due to political troubles with the TFF?
DeleteHe's the boss in Georgia
Deletehttps://inside.fifa.com/refereeing/news/referee-seminars-club-world-cup-2025-pierluigi-collina
ReplyDeletePictures and report from the various FIFA seminars.
They present this work as made only for the next Club World Cup, but of course what will happen later (the continuation of WC preselection) is not important for normal people at moment, but only for us as refereeing experts.
They are presenting this Club World Cup in an incredible way, making people think this will be an extra-ordinary event. I really dislike this attitude, I would have been curious to know the audience without pushing it, but it seems as it will be treated like World Cup or similar, including the TV rights (here in Italy they are "bombing" people about that...). So I think we can expect big names in the selection.
Also curious to know whether Guida was really in Zurich or not, I think he was there, but no clues in the pictures, I can only see Mariani. I think in case Guida made only the theorical part but of course he couldn't join all physical activities, and this was definitely not good. For this reason, I think one could even be already sure he will be ruled out from the names about to officiate at CWC...
Chefren & others readers, do you have an idea when it will drop out the list of the Club World Cup?
DeleteNo, we have just to wait. Maybe some good news from Arbitro Internacional :)
DeleteChefren, I think Guida is in the picture, between Gil Manzano and Letexier.
Delete15' I am stunned that took more than one look, even more so it took almost a minute. Even in Uefa, surely never ever handball in London
ReplyDeletehttps://streambug.org/cv/2b9cf3
DeleteNot a punishable handball, but I think good by VAR to check carefully.
Bravo Irfan!
ReplyDeleteI wish him successful second half
Not very challenging but good half from scharer
ReplyDeleteGood first half from Pejlto. Didn't get fooled by Arsenal players falling over easily time and time again.
ReplyDeletePeljto's lost YC between Bellingham and Odegaard. Just didn't want to card such an obvious play.
ReplyDeleteClose correct onside decision for Arsenal's 3rd goal in the build up. Two free kicks which resulted in Rice goals were both pretty clear free kicks.
ReplyDeletePeljto delivered performance of season! Authority from first moment, excellent disciplinary managment,important decisions correctly taken. Uefa can be proud with him, also he for what he does tonight.
ReplyDeleteIt was an almost perfect performance by Peljto. He lacked a YC to Bellingham for the persistent pulling on Odegaard. Otherwise, I knew he mattered in every play. He is certainly in the running to referee a final in May, even the Nations League in June.
DeleteCorrect 2YC for Camavinga for dissent/kicking the ball away way after the whistle, though probably the player didn't care at this point cuz he was missing the 2nd leg already on the YC he was given.
ReplyDelete2YC way too harsh for my taste. Player was already losing, not coherent to book him for delaying the restart.
ReplyDeleteApart from that, excellent performance by Peljto.
Fantastic performance from Peljto! @ ref It cna never be to harsh on this level, the rules are clear for kicking the ball away . There is no grey line there it is a yellow card. If you start to think like that player was already losing, one time it is a yellow and second time you let him go both players and referees will be lost.
ReplyDeleteExcellent performance by Peljto for me as well. I liked his overall foul detection throughout the game, with a clear line and not falling for some easy falls on both sides (e.g. 12', no foul by Camavinga).
ReplyDeleteHis disciplinary management was mostly on a high level for me, including the 2YC to Camavinga in 90+4': such a blatant dissent by action needs to be cautioned accordingly, any other decision would have seriously undermined Peljto's overall authority and credibility, at least in my opinion (it was too blatant to ignore, I think Camavinga himself was fully aware of that). Possible YC for ARS49 in 84', for a studs contact with the opponent's calf, but I think it was an unintentional and unlucky step by the player trying to stand up so I support Peljto regarding this. There was also a possible YC to Bellingham for LoR in the 2H (pulling on Odegaard), which is probably the only mistake worth noting, but unfortunately I missed the exact minute in my notes (as well as the replay).
IMO, all PAI's correctly solved, including the potential handball penalty for Arsenal checked by VAR in 14'/15', there was nothing punishable there IMO. Overall presence and control well adapted to the needs of this game: a mostly "invisible" display of authority, but stepping out into the spotlights when the need arose, with consistency in decision-making solidifying his control over the proceedings of this match.
All in all, a very positive impression for me tonight, a certain culmination of an otherwise very good season for him.
I think I know why I find this YC very harsh, and you guys don’t. Here in France there is an unspoken rule that you can’t send a player off for dissent. This is just not acceptable and would create a huge controversy in the newspapers. Even simple YC for dissent are very rare, but 2YC are just never issued for this kind of offense. It is a little bit like an "admission of weakness", being "forced" to send off the player because you weren’t able to manage his frustration without cards. That’s why Mariani’s 2YC in Monaco-Benfica was considered a huge blunder by Mariani here (2/10 in L’Équipe, who just never rate referees that badly), although it was assessed as "acceptable" by many readers on this blog (and apparently, by the RefCom as well). Same goes here with Camavinga.
ReplyDeleteOn idiot blue-tick twitter if Camavinga is not sent off:
DeleteVAR-DRID, PEREZ, UEFA REFS (etc)
On idiot blue-tick twitter as is:
"what an idiot Camavinga"
Come on, it's a (S)YC expected by everyone - let's not make the job harder than it needs to be. Good performance by Peljto but CL knockout games are 90% rather easy/boring these days, especially in the first leg. The halftime sequence on Amazon TV here by the way showed that Dankert was right to take his time with the firsthalf handball, it was a borderline scene (correct non-intv in the end).
https://caulse.com/v/83712
DeleteVery clear second YC even more for the way he kicked ball.
In case of no card, committee angry with the Bosnian.
Once again he showed he is not afraid to take such decisions, well done. No matter the score, he kicked the ball in frustration.
Fully agree with you, SYC expected but, believe me, in France you would never ever see it, no matter the level. Commentators on French TV assessed it as very harsh and didn’t understand it. But the French approach is wrong, for the sake of football this SYC is absolutely correct.
DeleteOverall, matches that were not as demanding as others, we often see this happen in the first legs. In Munich, focus on play football by both teams, standard performance for the Swiss, Kuipers with little to analyze.
ReplyDeleteIn London, Peljto did well in a match with an incredible score (cosidering the two realities of Real and Arsenal nowadays). The second yellow was correct and also mandatory. Let's hope the Bosnian will not lose this attitude in the future. Always taking these decisions. Unlike second yellows for verbal protests, where you have to trust the referee more because you can't know exactly the nature and the tone, here you have the evidence of an action of this kind and if you don't get a yellow, discussions arise (as Mikael correctly reported).
In the return matches there will be more experienced names, special eye for Madrid where we have seen what happened in recent years, incredible comebacks. 3-0 is not still impossible. In Milan it should be a more challenging match than the first leg, but the atmosphere of this Italian-German challenge was quite clear to me (extremely hard to imagine a challenging game with incidents), so I was already predicting a name like Peljto himself for the first leg...now German team will try comeback so it will become interesting to watch.
Arsenal vs Madrid seems a classic Turpin game- you have to go elite of the elite in case of comeback
DeleteI wonder, does it matter that PSG could be the next opponent of Madrid/Arsenal?
DeleteIt wasn’t an issue with Letexier (Lille) in the earlier round, but in the later stages of the Champions League - and with teams as Real and PSG involved - it can be a headliner on socials.
To me it seems a straightforward choice to appoint the two French referees in Dortmund and Milan.