26 November 2025
18:45 CET - Copenhagen (Parken - Connected by 3)
FC KØBENHAVN (DEN) - QAİRAT FK (KAZ)
Referee: Nicholas Walsh SCO
Assistant Referee 1: Francis Connor SCO
Assistant Referee 2: Daniel McFarlane SCO
Fourth Official: Donald Robertson SCO
Video Assistant Referee: Michael Salisbury ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Robert Schröder GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Roberto Rosetti ITA
UEFA Delegate: Amil Gerina MNE
18:45 CET - Limassol (Alphamega Stadium)
PAFOS FC (CYP) - AS MONACO FC (FRA)
Referee: Ivan Kružliak SVK
Assistant Referee 1: Branislav Hancko SVK
Assistant Referee 2: Ján Pozor SVK
Fourth Official: Lukáš Dzivjak SVK
Video Assistant Referee: Michael Fabbri ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Luca Pairetto ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Marinus Koopman NED
UEFA Delegate: Styrbjörn Oskarsson FIN
21:00 CET - Paris (Parc des Princes)
PARIS SAINT GERMAIN (FRA) - TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC (ENG)
Referee: Felix Zwayer GER
Assistant Referee 1: Robert Kempter GER
Assistant Referee 2: Christian Dietz GER
Fourth Official: Daniel Schlager GER
Video Assistant Referee: Sören Storks GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Christian Dingert GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Markus Nobs SUI
UEFA Delegate: Iva Olivari-Uliša CRO
21:00 CET - Liverpool (Anfield Stadium)
LIVERPOOL FC (ENG) - PSV EINDHOVEN (NED)
Referee: Alejandro José Hernández Hernández ESP
Assistant Referee 1: José Enrique Naranjo Pérez ESP
Assistant Referee 2: Diego Sánchez Rojo ESP
Fourth Official: José Luis Munuera Montero ESP
Video Assistant Referee: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández ESP
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ivan Bebek CRO
UEFA Referee Observer: Fredy Fautrel FRA
UEFA Delegate: Hristo Zapryanov BUL
21:00 CET - London (Emirates Stadium)
ARSENAL FC (ENG) - FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN (GER)
Referee: Marco Guida ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Filippo Meli ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Giorgio Peretti ITA
Fourth Official: Fabio Maresca ITA
Video Assistant Referee: Aleandro Di Paolo ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Marco Di Bello ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Andreas Schluchter SUI
UEFA Delegate: Luis Cuervas del Real ESP
21:00 CET - Madrid (Riyadh Air Metropolitano)
CLUB ATLÉTICO DE MADRID (ESP) - FC INTERNAZIONALE MILANO (ITA)
Referee: François Letexier FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Cyril Mugnier FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Mehdi Rahmouni FRA
Fourth Official: Jérémie Pignard FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Bruno Lopes Martins POR
UEFA Referee Observer: Darko Čeferin SVN
UEFA Delegate: Michael Kirchner GER
21:00 CET - Frankfurt am Main (Deutsche Bank Park)
EINTRACHT FRANKFURT (GER) - ATALANTA BC (ITA)
Referee: Christopher Kavanagh ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Daniel Cook ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Ian Hussin ENG
Fourth Official: Thomas Bramall ENG
Video Assistant Referee: Stuart Attwell ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Bram Van Driessche BEL
UEFA Referee Observer: David Fernández Borbalán ESP
UEFA Delegate: Zaur Hacı-Məhərrəmov AZE
21:00 CET - Lisbon (Estádio José Alvalade)
SPORTING CP (POR) - CLUB BRUGGE KV (BEL)
Referee: Tobias Stieler GER
Assistant Referee 1: Lasse Koslowski GER
Assistant Referee 2: Mark Borsch GER
Fourth Official: Martin Petersen GER
Video Assistant Referee: Benjamin Brand GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Daniele Chiffi ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Howard Webb ENG
UEFA Delegate: Haraldur Haraldsson ISL
21:00 CET - Piraeus (Stádio Geórgios Karaïskákis)
OLYMBIAKÓS SFP (GRE) - REAL MADRID CF (ESP)
Referee: Michael Oliver ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Stuart Burt ENG
Assistant Referee 2: James Mainwaring ENG
Fourth Official: Andrew Madley ENG
Video Assistant Referee: Andrew Dallas SCO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Peter Bankes ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Nicola Rizzoli ITA
UEFA Delegate: Ronald Zimmermann GER
Tobias Stieler gets his first CL game. Sporting-Brugge and Zwayer gets PSG-Tottenham
ReplyDeleteCopenhagen - Kairat: Walsh (SCO)
ReplyDeletePafos - Monaco: Kruzliak (SVK)
PSG - Spurs: Zwayer (GER)
Liverpool - PSV: Hernández Hernández (ESP)
Arsenal - Bayern: Guida (ITA)
Atlético Madrid - Inter: Letexier (FRA)
Eintracht - Atalanta: Kavanagh (ENG)
Sporting CP - Brugge: Stieler (GER)
Olympiacos - Real Madrid: Oliver (ENG)
wow .. Arsenal Bayern given to Guida .. that's quite insane tbh.
ReplyDeleteUnsurprisingly, Letexier gets Atletico Inter.
Pafos-Monaco: Kružliak-Hancko, Pozor-Dziviak (FIFA nominee for 2026) all (SVK), VAR: Fabbri, Pairetto all (ITA)
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to Peljto?
ReplyDeleteHe only had one match in all competition this season
He had 1 CL, 1 QWC and 4 at U20 WC... true, he missed 4 CL rounds and I don't know what Rosetti thinks of him at the moment
DeleteThe domination of Italy for referees In Europe is clear
ReplyDeleteIt's incredible, but not only that, also how Italian clubs and the national team are treated. That's something never happened before in the history or international refereeing, I would say.
Deletevery strange... appointment by Rosetti (ITA)
Deletewhat's strange is last year, there didn't seem to be trust in either Mariani, Guida or Massa, and this year they get a lot of big games .. Surely we will have italian referees in the world cup, but who ..
DeleteIt does feel that the appointments consist of several Italian referees, the trusted favourites and a lottery of other names. You have to feel for certain referees who must be confused as we are about why they are not getting a game for match days on end whilst others who maybe have a poor or rejected performance swan back in to the European stage quickly.
DeleteI’m just realizing that even in the Youth League – the appointments have finally been released – PSG goes to an Italian. ;-)
Delete@Peter: LOL
DeleteI think it's time to judge that Rosetti should fired immediately because he's completely unfit for his job. I hope for a new boss who considers qualities rather than background. I can't imagine how demotivating this must be for non-Italian/Slovenian referees.
ReplyDelete
DeleteI think that Srđan Jovanović is done with participating in the CL, that he will never referee a CL match again.
Scottish VAR for English referee. English VAR for a Scottish referee. Is it fair comment to assume that Dallas is becoming an increasingly respected VAR at this level?
ReplyDeleteI would say so, I think especially in Europe, Dallas has been a consistent performer with little to no controversy. Exactly what Rosetti wants plus I think given generally how poor English VAR has been this season both domestically and on the continent it allows or a different voice for Oliver to listen to and one who I would say isn't worried about upsetting or affecting his domestic colleagues performance.
DeleteCould also be a plan to have one Scot official at the World Cup, if he establishes himself as Oliver's first choice VAR.
DeleteOne hopes that is the case but realistically, I can't see it happening but you never know.
DeleteDallas has been quite steady in UEFA matches which osmanabbot rightly says will keep Rosetti happy. A contrast with his matches in Scotland recently where he has been a disaster. Many basic errors in the last few weeks.
DeleteAlso, its surely not a coincidence that he is working with English officials more whilst his father is number 2 at PGMOL!
Also to note an unnecessary appointment for Oliver in a rather easy game, and Kavanagh seems to have earned some respect by the committee..
ReplyDeleteArsenal–Bayern is basically the perfect match you’d assign to an up-and-coming young referee. Think of a U-20 referee. Fair by nature, mutual respect, and both teams are legitimate top-8 contenders.
ReplyDeleteAnd what does the Italian boss do… He has to give a gift to a compatriot who won’t make the World Cup. Bi-zarre. I think we also need to prepare ourselves for an Italian ref in the Conference- or the Europa League final.
What also stands out: no Turpin, Peljto, Gozubuyuk. And that means Turpin’s 2YC decision has been rejected. Peljto’s reputation might not be as good as we thought? And Gozubuyuk - unknown. But he also missed the last World Cup qualifier set.
About the missing referees, three names above all: Gozubuyuk, Turpin and Peljto. About the Dutch, it happened in past as well that there were periods without assignments at all, we can't know, this could be not related to performance but maybe personal reasons, otherwise it's strange. It seems he goes close to a good moment then he stops, this happened several times in past. One can't add more without being aware of this real status.
ReplyDeletePeljto: after the CL performance in Madrid, something happened for sure, otherwise he would have got another CL game. Let's wait, maybe he will appear in Europa League, but my feeling is that something was not liked.
And... Turpin, given that he could have been appointed in CL, that second YC in Slovenia... well... let's wait for his next appearance to know more!
Hm, I would not put too much emphasis on the missing referees for now. It's quite normal, that some referees work on MD5 and some only on MD6.
DeleteE.g. also Kovacs and Taylor didn't get a game this week.
So in my opinion only Peljto's case is special, because he already missed the previous matchdays.
I still would expect him in EL this week (with the option of CL on MD 6) though.
Is kavanagh in focus from the committee at the moment?
ReplyDeleteLooks like it. The game looks more suitable for an Elite referee, so a quite good appointment for him.
DeleteI wonder whether the idea is to promote three referees from the big leagues soon: Sozza, Jablonski and Kavanagh
I still can’t understand the logic behind UEFA’s referee appointments. On top of that, it’s clear they’re not fully objective, because we can obviously see the favouritism towards certain referees and certain countries. Last year, Rosetti practically “protected” the Italian referees so that this year he could push them into many important matches — and, of course, the upcoming World Cup. Mariani, Guida, Massa… yes, they are Elite referees, but they’re not offering anything fundamentally better than what referees from “smaller” federations can provide.
ReplyDeleteItalian clubs constantly get Elite referees in Europe, the Slovenian national team also receives top officials regularly… and it’s becoming clear that Rosetti–Čeferin have a big influence on all of this. Turpin, after the two yellow cards incident involving Slovenia, was instantly removed from Champions League appointments. Peljto, despite an outstanding season and a match in Madrid that didn’t contain any obvious mistakes, is “punished” and misses four Champions League games, while referees from protected federations get away with far more.
I’m genuinely curious how things would look if Rosetti wasn’t at the top of the organisation, because the favouritism is becoming more and more obvious. I’m also interested to see the final list of referees for the World Cup and how those decisions will be made. In my opinion, a change in leadership is necessary for the future.
Were there many debated incidents in Peljto’s MD1 match (Real) or recently in Portugal–Armenia?
DeleteWe’re now seeing that Peljto and Turpin are not receiving any appointments, similar to Hernandez earlier this season. Last season, referees like Nyberg, Makkelie, Meler, and Kruzliak were also sidelined after controversy—some temporarily, others for the remainder of the season.
On the other hand: Massa was appointed again after PSG–Liverpool. And even Obrenović was given a chance to redeem himself after his disaster in Monaco. So the criteria for being rejected are unclear.
In Peljto’s case, it almost has to be performance-related, as he could easily have been assigned to MD4 or MD5. I agree with you that there’s something off about this policy.
I agree with you that after so many years under Italian (Rosetti/Collina) and Slovenian (Ceferin) leadership, it would be time to bring in a fresh breeze and to place trust in new people from other countries.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I am fairly certain that a change in the refereeing department will only come with a new UEFA president in 2027. Two people I could well imagine as successors to Rosetti would be the Englishman Howard Webb or the German Felix Brych.
Both were outstanding referees in their time and have a great deal to offer in order to lead the refereeing department more objectively and competently than is currently the case.
It’s clear that Howard Webb is the leading candidate, and in a way that feels natural — but to be honest, I really don’t like the way PGMOL looks under his leadership. I’m not a fan. Brych is still relatively young since he only recently retired, but I think that would be a risky choice. Proença and Kassai belong to the same generation as Webb, and I believe that generation of referees will eventually take over after Rosetti. Kuipers is also a strong name in the conversation, but it’s too early to make any conclusions because there are no real indications that Rosetti is stepping down anytime soon, even though based on everything we’ve seen, a change is becoming necessary.
DeleteI'm pretty convinced Kuipers will be Rosetti's eventual successor, unless his supermarket business doesn't allow it because he'd be far too busy.
DeleteAnd in that case, I think it would be for the best. I can't imagine a better candidate than a person that has experience both as a world class referee and as a (successful) manager/director/owner of an enterprise.
There will probably be an Italian available for that position as well, e.g. Rocchi.
DeleteEverything depends on who will be the president of UEFA...
DeleteAs you well know, over the years I have always commented on all the appointments with enthusiasm. I continue to do so because it gives me pleasure, but I can't fail to notice once again that we have reached a point where committee really does whatever they want. I want to clarify my thoughts. It is normal for a committee that works for this purpose to do what they have in mind, but honestly, looking at this management, one must raise many questions. IIt seems Rosetti entered in a loop. It is not possible to always and cyclically propose the same referees. Now, we can also separate this from the argument of the Italians, but of course, essentially, the main reference is to that. However, there are also some referees who are really always appointed, while others never see the Champions League. Looking ahead for a change and the future, this is very difficult in my opinion, and moreover, the criteria for performances assesments are not clear. Absolutely unacceptable mistakes are tolerated, like Mariani's one, I apologize for insisting on this, but that was the case in the PSG match, where any other referee would have been suspended for a long time. Then, they don't assign other referees for rather mysterious reasons. There may be a highly technical component as well, but the disparities are evident even if one is not aware of everything that happens behind the scenes. I believe Rosetti's work started in a much more positive way, then it got a bit lost, and it gives me the impression that he does everything himself without leaving any say to others from committee, obviously except for Slovenia. But this does not seem fair to me at all. It seems the circle or trusted referees is becoming narrow and narrow. More important, I think that, differently from Collina previous management, the Italian former referee from Turin doesn't care that much about the very technical aspects, when first aim is to make all people happy, well, maybe include referees themselves, but surely not in the way it should be done! Avoiding mistakes, controversy and going on with the same VARs in all important games...
ReplyDeleteSorry, I could become too long with the post, but surely the message is clear.
I agree. In Mariani’s case, I can only imagine what would have happened if a referee from a smaller federation made the same mistake… he probably wouldn’t see a European match again for the rest of the season. And that’s exactly the problem - the criteria are not equal for everyone. What happened with Kovacs at the CWC is actually the standard that should apply - it shouldn’t matter who you are or where you come from. We’ll finally be satisfied when every referee is treated the same.
DeleteYup, politics :)
DeleteRosetti will be observe Ajax-Benfica and Copenhagen-Kairat. Nonsense again and again. He thinks he is omnipotent. But no. He knows only Italy and italian referees.
ReplyDeleteNovember 27, 2025:
ReplyDelete18:45 CET – Bologna (Stadio Renato Dall’Ara)
BOLOGNA (ITA) – FC SALZBURG (AUT)
Competition: UEFA Europa League
Referee: Igor Pajač CRO
Assistant Referee 1: Bojan Zobenica CRO
Assistant Referee 2: Ivan Mihalj CRO
Fourth Official: Zdenko Lovrić CRO
Video Assistant Referee: Ivan Bebek CRO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: –
UEFA Referee Observer: –
UEFA Delegate: –
18:45 CET – Czestochowa (Stadion Raków)
RAKÓW CZESTOCHOWA (POL) – RAPID (AUT)
Competition: UEFA Europa Conference League
Referee: Duje Strukan CRO
Assistant Referee 1: Alen Jakšić CRO
Assistant Referee 2: Marjan Tomas CRO
Fourth Official: Ante Terzić CRO
Video Assistant Referee: Mario Zebec CRO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ivan Matić CRO
UEFA Referee Observer: –
UEFA Delegate: –
21:00 CET – Craiova (Stadionul Ion Oblemenco)
UNIVERSITATEA CRAIOVA (ROU) – 1. FSV MAINZ 05 (GER)
Competition: UEFA Europa Conference League
Referee: Dario Bel CRO
Assistant Referee 1: Goran Pataki CRO
Assistant Referee 2: Ivan Janić CRO
Fourth Official: Patrik Kolarić CRO
Video Assistant Referee: Fran Jović CRO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ivan Vučković CRO
UEFA Referee Observer: –
UEFA Delegate: –
Source: Croatian FA website
DeleteAny countries still yet to make their debut in the League phase of UEFA competitions?
ReplyDeleteAlso any names potentially to be promoted to the 1st category?
DeleteReferee Observer MD5
ReplyDeleteAjax - Benfica : Roberto Rosetti (ITA)
Galatasaray - Union St. Gilloise : Hugh Dallas (SCO)
Manchester City - Bayer Leverkusen : Stephane Lannoy (FRA)
Chelsea London - FC Barcelona : Gylfi Thor Orrason (ISL)
Borussia Dortmund - Villarreal CF : Itchko Lozev (BUL)
SSC Napoli - Qarabag FK : Pascal Pierre Garibian (FRA)
Slavia Praha - Athletic Bilbao : Martin Ingvarsson (SWE)
Bodo/Glimt - Juventus : Stefan Meßner (AUT)
Olympique Marseille - Newcastle United : Elmir Pilav (BIH)
FC Copenhagen - Kairat Almaty : Roberto Rosetti (ITA)
Pafos FC - AS Monaco : Marinus Koopman (NED)
Paris SG - Tottenham : Markus Nobs (SUI)
FC Liverpool - PSV Eindhoven : Fredy Fautrel (FRA)
Arsenal London - FC Bayern München : Andreas Schluchter (SUI)
Atletico Madrid - Inter Milan : Darko Čeferin (SVN)
Eintracht Frankfurt - Atalanta Bergamo : David Fernández Borbalán (ESP)
Sporting - Club Brugge : Howard Webb (ENG)
Olympiacos Piraus - Real Madrid : Nicola Rizzoli (ITA)
Very interesting! Rosetti in the cold north. Stieler, Kavanagh and Oliver assessed by a FIFA instructor.
DeleteThe table below shows the distribution of UCL games per country. It’s a good way to illustrate the Italian “dominance”. The table also highlights that English referees are strongly represented this season.
ReplyDeleteNote: I’m on my mobile, so there may be a few minor errors. @Philipp can surely correct anything if needed.
———————————
Italy - 3 / 1 / 2 / 2 / 3 (11)
England - 2 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 2 (10)
Germany - 1 / 1 / 2 / 2 / 3 (9)
France - 1 / 2 / 1 / 2 / 1 (7)
Spain - 1 / 1 / 2 / 1 / 2 (7)
Poland - 1 / 1 / 1 / 2 / 1 (6)
Slovenia - 1 / 1 / 2 / 0 / 1 (5)
Netherlands - 0 / 2 / 2 / 0 / 1 (5)
Lithuania - 1 / 1 / 1 / 0 / 1 (4)
Romania - 2 / 1 / 0 / 1 / 0 (4)
Portugal - 0 / 0 / 0 / 2 / 1 (3)
Switzerland - 1 / 1 / 1 / 0 / 0 (3)
Slovakia - 0 / 1 / 0 / 1 / 1 (3)
Sweden - 1 / 1 / 1 / 0 / 0 (3)
Azerbaijan - 1 / 0 / 0 / 1 / 0 (2)
Norway - 0 / 1 / 0 / 1 / 0 (2)
Belgium - 1 / 0 / 0 / 1 / 0 (2)
Croatia - 0 / 0 / 1 / 0 / 0 (1)
Austria - 0 / 0 / 0 / 1 / 0 (1)
Bosnia - 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 (1)
Scotland - 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 1 (1)
Serbia - 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 (0)
A dis grace, and most people on this blog already know why. Enough, its time for change.
DeleteSo after Mariani officiated PSG-Bayern last round with a huge blunder, another Italian ref will again officiate Bayern vs another bug club for the following round? Incredible. Would this have been possible with a ref of different nationality?
ReplyDeleteCherry picking.
DeleteRosetti Amsterdam and then Copenhagen the day after, I wonder how this is possible... he can't do both observations in the best way!
ReplyDeleteAnd he’ll meet Mourinho again :)
DeleteAll the frustration is understandable when I look at the appointments this week. People who claim there are “favourites” might feel their point is proven when you see all the Italian referees getting matches in the same week, and all of them receiving strong games.
ReplyDeleteKey point for Individual Referee
Irfan – Real Madrid vs. Marseille
The handball decision he gave was a major negative in his performance, and it has clearly affected his appointments. Because of that, he won’t get big games for now, but he can still receive lower profile Europa League or Conference League matches.
Arsenal FC (ENG) vs. FC Bayern München (GER)
Referee: Marco Guida (ITA)
I actually don’t see this as the biggest match of the week considering their current positions. Both teams look relatively secure, and they also have important domestic games coming soon. I expect rotation or a cautious approach to avoid injuries, since a win or loss here may not drastically affect their qualification.
I don’t mind Guida getting this game if we ignore nationality, but I would have preferred to see a young, upcoming referee given this opportunity someone like Schnyder, or even one of the more questionable in Spain to test them.
Club Atlético de Madrid (ESP) vs. FC Internazionale Milano (ITA)
Referee: François Letexier (FRA)
This appointment is understandable. Atlético at home often create a chaotic environment, and Inter can be very demanding and complain a lot. In this kind of emotionally heavy match, it makes sense to appoint one of the best referees available instead of taking a risk.
Chelsea (ENG) vs. FC Barcelona (ESP)
Another interesting game. Both teams need points, making it one of the tougher and more exciting matches of the week. Probably the best one to watch.
But it is not clear how this was characterized as a major mistake while Mariani and others like him make even bigger mistakes with even worse performances and still continue to be delegated? That's not fair.
DeleteI think enough has already been said (also in months/years previously) about the appointments and appointment strategy. For what my view is worth, I thought that the manner in which Peljto handled Real-Marseille was not good, and that Guida's appointment to Arsenal-Bayern comes from an at least 'understandable' background (the best referee in Italy, but he won't referee at the WC). Also, the designations for the WC qualifiers were very good!
DeleteIn my opinion where Rosetti, from the beginning of his tenure (ottomh?), made a big unforced error was by abandoning the 'MD1-2, MD3-4, MD5-6' strategy employed in the past - it was possible to get four games by real excellence, but for the most part, refs were capped at getting three matches in the group stage. Financially, UEFA assignments are a very big deal for the referees, and the way the designations go at the moment seems very random and perhaps quite unfair toward a number of referees (for instance, unless we are missing something, the aforementioned Peljto). The denouement of this, and what I never forget when reflecting on that rather shameful affair for UEFA, was when Hategan in 2020-21 did 6/6 games in the CL group stage and the last one went very awry for (in)famous reasons - surely, morever with all the connecting flight messes and PCR-test-angst at that time, the Romanian crew cannot have been 100% fresh for that match in Paris.
I guess, in retort one could say that the CL has changed a lot since then (2011-2018), and (eg) for the last two games of the Swiss system in January, it would be a big ask to find 36 different refs for the 36 matches - but still! I think most fair-minded people would agree that Davide Massa racking up the most league round appearances last season was undeserved, and did not reflect well on the designator (who is also his compatriot). Changing back at least toward the old system would surely be quite an easy fix for many of the discussions on the blog, which must also being had and felt internally. Given that he more-or-less immediately removed it (I am recalling this correctly, right?), one can draw the conclusion that the previous, logical strategy required more forward planning than the new UEFA ref director was willing, or (more damningly) was able, to countenance. I don’t think this blog, less so myself individually, has any real bearing on management choices being made - but if I did have a say, I’d recommend returning to the ‘two-matchday-window’ scheme which worked well in the past.
Regarding the point about having abandoned the classic assignment system of the past, we can certainly add the fact that some referees considered absolute top-level by Rosetti nowadays never officiate in Europa League, at least not in the group stage, and are consistently kept in the Champions League. First of all, obviously, but then others as well, like Letexier, Zwayer, and so on. This was something very extra-ordinary in past, almost never happening, even Kuipers had his EL games, while a record in Champions League, without El games was surely set by Kassai when he was at the very top. Now, it's more frequent, but of course not for all referees.
DeleteAll of this, in my opinion, can be traced back to a single common factor: the drop in overall quality and the lack of talents. Otherwise, clearly, each referee would get a game in the other two competitions every now and then, no matter how top they are. With this new approach under Rosetti, they are really struggling to cover everything, compared to the past, and that's definitely something worth reflecting on.
Let's say that at first, even Rosetti himself remained somewhat within the traditional framework previously used by Collina and by UEFA in general. But today he has completely stepped out of it, one could say out of necessity as well. It's a use that is, letìs say, a bit freer, but also more private in nature, of something that could otherwise be seen as a public resource. But I understand this could lead to a very heated discussion.
I agree, that it would be better to have the double matchday system again. As there have been already 41 referees appointed in this CL season, lack of depth can't really be a problem.
DeleteHowever, we weren't too far away on MD3/4 with only Marciniak (as a replacement?) and Siebert appointed twice.
So there is a chance, that it might happen similarly again for MD6.
Kruzliak having a pretty poor half so far in Cyprus.
ReplyDeletePossible VC in 21', YC given.
DeleteMaybe more pushing than hitting and therefore not clear and obvious. But RC the better call IMO, because I don't think the force is negligible.
https://streamff.link/v/621be65f
DeleteA preferable decision here is to caution both players. Player #7 initiates the contact and appears to be trying to create chaos and provoke a reaction, while Player #15’s response was predictable given #7’s movement. No red cards are necessary in this situation
DeleteWell I take no pleasure in saying this but that was an incredibly poor first half from Kruzliak in Cyprus. A performance certainly not of an elite standard and one that leaves a lot to be desired. Technically poor and inconsistent and his positioning and movement were really below par. Walking or jogging throughout the half with minimal attempt to sprint into a better position and on occasion being 30 yards or more away from the play and getting in the way of play on two occasions. Players are now struggling to accept his authority and is lacking control that should be expected from an elite referee.
ReplyDeleteFirst Half:
4' Clear missed YC for PAF #26 for SPA/reckless tackle. Opted for a warning but this for me met the threshold for a YC.
8' Good advantage use but correctly brought the play back as no clear advantage for PAF.
14' Possible missed YC for MON #10 for dissent by action, aggressively throwing his arms in frustration directly at the referee. Opted for a hand gesture of no more but easily could have been a YC.
21' Missed 2 clear FK for MON.
22' YC for MON #15 for a reckless use of hand to the face after the whistle has gone. Given that it was more a push than a strike, I can see why YC was given but certainly there would have been no complaints if a RC was issued for VC. Kruzliak was slow to react to the incident and it was managed slightly messy for my liking.
25' Clear missed YC for MON #18 for a reckless challenge. Certainly in the orange category for me but I'd say yellow due to low intensity. Studs to the back of the calf. To give nothing is unbelievable.
28' Correct YC for MON #10 for dissent by action for the exact same offence he did on min 14'. Very inconsistent from Kruzliak on dissent.
29' Clear missed YC for MON #12 for handball and SPA.
32' Clear missed YC for PAF #17 for reckless use of arms to the face.
45+3' Correct YC for PAF #5 for a reckless challenge.
Do you really consider 29’ handball to be a “clear” missed YC? For me, just a pure existence of a centre into the PA doesn’t automatically mean SPA.
DeleteFor me yes, if the handball offence isn't commited the attacker is crossing the ball into the penalty area where there are 3/4 attackers against 3/4 defenders. The ball is not in close proximity to the player and the defender for me makes an action to bring his hand up to block the cross.
DeleteOkay, not arguing or anything, everyone has a subjective stance on this noSPA/SPA/DOGSO thing. I just asked because of different “levels” of evaluation of SPA in relation to centred ball, for example, when a centred ball is to find a player, which can directly score a header (1v1 with GK) is considered YC (based on latest RAP + it was a push, I think from Cubarsi), if you know which one I mean.
DeleteBut just to clarify, not arguing, this situation can’t be objectively measured.
No I have no intention on arguing with you, I am just calling it how I see it, the beauty is that we can have measured and reasonable debate. I fully understand and respect your point of view, I just take a different view to yourself. My original reply was not intended to be dismissive in any way so I can only apologise if that was how it came across.
DeleteOFR for Walsh, handball.
ReplyDeletehttps://streambug.org/cv/496b08
Clear movement to stop ball with upper body.
Punishable for this reason, even if arm is not that open
Frontal to AR2, he should have spotted it.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteShouldn't the yellow card he gave between the penalty situation and the OFR had been removed? Maybe it's beacuse it's considered lack of respect and not SPA, that it did still stand. Any opinions?
DeleteNo such thing as showing lack of respect for the game for a deliberate handball.
DeleteIf you are watching Chefren, how is Walsh doing? I chose not to watch to recuse myself of Scottish bias.
ReplyDeleteNo, I didn't watch game. Interesting to see, almost no card for the whole game, then 4 or 5 in the very last minutes in a row.
DeleteNo problem, I'll try and watch game back some point tomorrow, will be interesting to gauge how Rosetti may have interpreted the performance.
DeleteSecond Half for Kruzliak:
ReplyDelete47' Poor management to allow a minor disagreement turn into a small confrontation. Needs to be stronger there and manage the players better.
55' Correct YC to PAF coach for dissent.
67' Good use of advantage to allow attacking opportunity to develop.
75' Good work from the fourth official to identify dissent/ blatant out of the technical area for a MON coach. YC correctly given.
81' Another good advantage to allow the attack to develop.
87' Good no PK call. PAF players desperate for it.
88' Correct YC for PAF #4 for dissent.
90+1' Correct YC for MON #22 for SPA.
90+3' Another good attacking advantage given.
90+4' Correct no penalty call for handball. Difficult situation but correctly handled.
Summary:
A better second half performance from Kruzliak and from min 50' onwards was very good but overall a below average performance from the elite referee. The performance technically wasn't great however it wasn't controversial so it should pass the Rosetti test of modern refereeing. Technically the first half was inconsistent and frustrating for both sets of players as similar offences would be punished then let go which did not help his acceptance or control.
My biggest issue with this performance was not the technical aspect which was lacking but did improve to a degrees it was his movement and positioning which was incredible to watch. Walking or jogging throughout the 90 minutes and minimal attempt to sprint or be proactive in his positioning. Several times throughout the game he was in excess of 30 yards away from play and making no real conscious effort to sprint to try and fix it. He has good fitness but he appeared or gave the impression that he was very economical in his movement for me not fitting of an elite referee.
Overall this will be a night to forget and a performance that'll not live long in the memory of many observers. Unfortunately one should expect this referee to get lower level CL or mid to top EL games for the rest of the season as for me that is where his true level is.
@Osmanabbot:
DeletePerfect analysis on Kruzliak: uneven and ineffective on a technical level, inconsistent on a disciplinary level but moreover insufficient performance on athletic perspective (very, very modest sprint and progression) and mostly incorrect positioning. A truly low-profile performance, largely below average for an Élite ref.
Clear handball given by Hernandez.
ReplyDeleteVan Dijk going for the "most laughable complaint" award
ReplyDeleteGood advantage by Hernandez before Liverpool made it 1-1
ReplyDeletevery tricky situation for Letexier... I think correct outcome after OFR but not convinced that whistling handball was a clear and obvious mistake...
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not a deliberate handball.
Delete19' - Possible mistake by Hernandez at Anfield. Ekitike put the ball away, the PSV player knocks it down clearly but Hernandez decides no penalty. A tough decision worth debating.
ReplyDeleteStrange one - looked more foul than not on the replay, no PK is maybe supportable but there was hardly any delay for a VAR check
DeleteI thought it was Liverpool's penalty on Ekitike (19th or 20th minute), strange that it was such a quick VAR check
ReplyDelete9' Direct red card for SFP shown by Stieler in Lisbon and changed to yellow after OFR.
ReplyDeleteRidicolous behavior by Giuliano Simeone. Hand on a shoulder by Bastoni, maybe slight contact on a chin. 2 minutes on the ground, as if he was shot.
ReplyDeleteHonestly such simulations should be banned and sanctioned, even with VAR to stop these players
Agreed.. good that letexier didnt fall for it.
DeleteGood onside decision by AR1 Burt for Madrid 3rd goal.
ReplyDeleteOutstanding onside call by AR1 in Piraeus for Real Madrid 3rd goal
ReplyDeleteAnd a very good offside call in 33' for cancelling Real Madrid 4th goal (Mbappé).
DeleteLiverpool - PSV:
ReplyDeletePenalty to PSV
https://streamff.com/v/a8d66a84
Penalty appeal by Liverpool
https://streambug.org/cv/01cd8d
Sporting - Club Brugge
ReplyDeleteRC for SFP Changed in YC:
https://streambug.org/cv/a5e80d
Ball before and then soft contact with opponent, but for me strictly to protocol it's not yet a clear and obvious mistake.
DeleteAt full speed I can certainly see why Stieler thought RC. Maybe VAR saw there was no contact to the head and just stopped there? Though YC probably the right outcome outside of protocols.
DeleteSince the offender leg was bent and the contact resulted from momentum rather than a forceful action, the preferred decision would be a yellow card or possibly no card at all.
DeleteOFR for Letexier, change of decision, allowing a goal after on field handball call.
ReplyDeletehttps://streambug.org/cv/cab632
Was the handball call a clear and obvious mistake?
For me, very expected from angle of view that he have, to call handball, due to body motion of Atletico player. Var stuff definetley, and after that, correct call from Letexier to allow goal. I dont think thst Comitee will see this as hard mistake. Apparently from that, excellent 1ĥ from Letexier.
DeleteIMO, Letexier saw better than VAR, whose call wasn’t correct considering an issue to be under different but equally sustainable opinions.
DeleteAnyway when you run more than the players with a superb credibility (also due to an excellent and modern interpretation of rules as well) like Letexier, you must only consider him always the best FIFA/UEFA ref.
IMO correct call by VAR. Never a handball.
DeleteI must say that when I saw the play at first instance I had the same thought as Letexier, considering the little move that ATM player does…hard to spot live TBH.
Maybe you may be right of course; but anyway if I see correctly on video review hand was moving to ball, not ball moving to hand… so, a challenging choice but the first decision of Letexier seemed righter than VAR call.
DeleteThis is a subjective decision. I can clearly see that the Atlético player made an unnatural movement with his hand toward the ball. After the ball deflected off his hip, and that small hand movement redirected it into the path of the eventual goal scorer. In my opinion, the goal should not have stood.
DeleteFrom Letexier point of view, I assume he disallowed the goal because he believed the player who handled the ball was the one who scored immediately. Under the Laws of the Game, even if the handball is considered accidental, a goal cannot be awarded if the scorer handles the ball. VAR would then need to inform him that the scorer was actually a different player, whose action could be considered natural.
Alternatively, if Letexier judged the movement to be unnatural, then VAR should not have intervened at all, because it becomes a subjective on field decision. In that case, his original decision should have stood.
Am not sure about the OFR for Letexier to be honest..
ReplyDeleteAnyway, lots of complaints and simulation from Atletico players.. really annoying to watch.
What can you expect? It’s the same thing always with ATM…I’m sick.
DeleteArsenal-Bayern Munich
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely ridiculous how referee allowed white socks to Bay 17 player. Also AR1 swapped flag above head, these things we try to teach referees at grassroots, to be "automatic"
How has Chris kavanagh done so far
ReplyDeleteSo so…
DeleteIt's the third red card missed by Zwayer in this league stage.
ReplyDeletehttps://streamff.com/v/f61b63e3
After Manchester City - Napoli, Chelsea - Ajax, now this violent conduct in PSG - Tottenham. However, earlier the German referee had whistled a correct penalty: https://streamin.me/v/c626c8db
The German referee has reached a better level of officiating in recent years and this can't be denied, but differently from the other very trusted and top Elite, you can see the difference, for him there is always something missing, rarely you see a 100% perfect or faultless perfomance. However, in the overall picture, one can see that he has very often challenging incidents in his games.
To be honest todays red card was easily missed live I think
DeleteChefren, I have a lot of respect for you and the blog, but unfortunately today I have to disagree with your comment. Here on the blog, Felix has never received a single compliment in any match he's officiated (whether good or bad); there's always something to comment on, even if there isn't even an OFR. A referee won't be 100% in every match, and that's okay. I partly agree that this season has been very difficult, even nationally; he knows this and is working towards it. And another thing, whenever I come to say something all I get is criticism. We need to understand and visualize the entire game and not throw stones at the referee because he doesn't breathe like other referees. In the Europa League final, there wasn't a single VAR issue, nothing, but you preferred to say that his style/his management was bad. It's extremely difficult for you to praise or speak well of Felix even once.
Delete@Zwayerbrazil
DeleteIf a referee like Taylor had three consecutive VAR corrections in the UCL, then an objective Chefren would leave the exact same kind of comments — I’m convinced of that. Personally, I find Chefren a more objective blog admin than Mikael, who with all due respect, is a bit more guided by bias and personal dislikes ;-)
It also doesn’t help that Zwayer has a compatriot (Siebert) who is performing excellently this season and is constantly being compared to him. Siebert has shown this season that he’s able to make unpopular decisions live on the field.
For the record, I thought Zwayer was excellent in his UCL semi-final, and he fully deserved the Europa League final. A dreadful between two English teams that nobody is going to rewatch, because it was far from entertaining. I’ve often wondered what Letexier would have made of it; the Frenchman is known for contributing to an entertaining game thanks to his approach and match management.
Nevertheless, I suspect Zwayer is first in line for a Champions League final based on age. The alternative is Oliver, who would deserve it more based on form, but would need to hope that neither English nor Italian clubs reach the final. I’d wait a bit with Letexier, because after a World Cup final and a UCL final he could easily lose motivation at still a very young age.
Joao pinheiro also I think he is to officiate the final
DeletePlease stop with that extreme glaze of Portuguese referees. No one has ever said Pinheiro is a bad referre and he doesn't get these games by accident. But he is never ever a contender for this years Champions League final. He has refereed nine Champions League matches in his entire career so naturally he doesn't have the experience to referee the most important game in the biggest club competition in the world.
DeleteAbdiaziz, I don’t know, but you’re being completely unrealistic or you’re just trolling. Pinheiro for the final? Come on, at least try to be realistic and objective. It’s getting irritating.
DeleteAnd who said that oliver or or another will officiate the final ? Also don't forget that the number of matches doesn't matter how many matches you play to be a referee for final and we have many examples of that we can say it if you want
DeleteI understand that you favour Pinheiro and Portuguese referees on every post, but at least try to be a bit objective… Pinheiro became an Elite referee less than a year ago, and he’s actually not even a candidate for the latter stages of the Champions League, let alone the final. Just look at the history of who officiated the finals, what level of experience they had beforehand, and how long that path was…
DeleteAAY: Please STOP writing about Pinheiro (et al) underneath every comment, or Chefren and I will delete your all of your future posts without explanation.
DeleteYour warning has been served.
I reject any kind of threat , I not insult any one , do want you want I not accept for any kind of threat I said my opinion
DeleteAfter watching the full match, it was clear that Marco Guida struggled to maintain control, both in terms of man management and overall game management. His style was not effective on the day, leading to constant protests from both teams and even the fans. In a match where the referee should ideally remain in the background and allow the players focus and dictated how the game should shape.
ReplyDeleteGuida ended up booking both coaches, which in many ways summarizes his performance. At times, he seemed to lean on balancing decisions based on what he had already given to the other team, trying to stay consistent rather than focusing purely on what was and wasn’t a foul. Overall, it was not a strong performance.
I want to express here for my reject totally the threat that Mr michel sended me I was thinking that the blog welcomes all opinions but it is clear now that some of the managers blog is refused opinion that don't agree with their opinion
ReplyDeleteIt is not an opinion, it is a biased and fully repeted message. I respect you a lot and I am sure you have so much more to offer.
DeleteIf all users did the same this blog would be purely unreadable.
We all agree on the point you contribute a lot. You have probably much more interesting things to say than this pure fanboyism. Please show that to us
Honestly, it’s becoming irritating for all the regular readers of the blog when someone constantly writes about and pushes one referee. There is absolutely no ‘threat’ involved, it’s simply a suggestion about the objectivity that is necessary. Maybe I, or someone else, also have referees we personally favour, but we still try to remain objective. Not everything should be taken as a threat; sometimes it’s just important to understand when something is meant as a suggestion.
DeleteOK thank you very much
DeleteIf someone repeatedly praises certain referees excessively and recommends them for a Champions League final, the posts should be deleted; this is simply very annoying and incomprehensible.
DeleteRound by round, i'm mutch more asured that Zwayer would not be in CL final. Ok,his performances are solid, but not valuable of CL final. From the other side, Letexier and Oliver are near perfection in every round, so this two names are contedners for me.
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteTrue, but they need an alternative if, for example, PSG plays the final against an English club. And then Zwayer seems the designated ref.
DeletePersonally, I think Oliver deserves it the most — actually already last season. It was scandalous that he didn’t get the final because of an Italian club.
Mr Adrian thank you very much
ReplyDelete