2025-26 UEFA Europa League, referee appointments for the second legs of quarterfinals, to be played on 16 April 2026.
Thursday 16 April 2026
18:45 CET - Vigo (Abanca-Balaídos)
RC CELTA DE VIGO (ESP) - SC FREIBURG (GER)
Referee: Anthony Taylor ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Gary Bewisk ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Daniel Cook ENG
Fourth Official: Robert Jones ENG
Video Assistant Referee: Jarred Gillett ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Stuart Attwell ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Daniel Cook ENG
Fourth Official: Robert Jones ENG
Video Assistant Referee: Jarred Gillett ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Stuart Attwell ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Andreas Schluchter SUI
UEFA Delegate: Vignir Már Þormóðsson ISL
21:00 CET - Seville (La Cartuja de Sevilla)
REAL BETIS BALOMPIÉ (ESP) - SC BRAGA (POR)
Referee: Davide Massa ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Filippo Meli ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Stefano Alassio ITA
Fourth Official: Matteo Marcenaro ITA
Video Assistant Referee: Daniele Chiffi ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Luca Pairetto ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Lutz Michael Fröhlich GER
Assistant Referee 2: Stefano Alassio ITA
Fourth Official: Matteo Marcenaro ITA
Video Assistant Referee: Daniele Chiffi ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Luca Pairetto ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Lutz Michael Fröhlich GER
UEFA Delegate: Iain Blair SCO
21:00 CET - Birmingham (Villa Park)
ASTON VILLA FC (ENG) - BOLOGNA FC 1909 (ITA)
Referee: José María Sánchez ESP
Assistant Referee 1: Raúl Cabañero ESP
Assistant Referee 2: Iñigo Prieto ESP
Fourth Official: José Luis Munuera ESP
Video Assistant Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande ESP
Assistant Referee 2: Iñigo Prieto ESP
Fourth Official: José Luis Munuera ESP
Video Assistant Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande ESP
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: César Soto Grado ESP
UEFA Referee Observer: Augustus Constantin ROU
UEFA Delegate: Giel Kirkels NED
21:00 CET - Nottingham (City Ground)
NOTTINGHAM FOREST FC (ENG) - FC PORTO (POR)
Referee: Danny Makkelie NED
Assistant Referee 1: Hessel Steegstra NED
Assistant Referee 2: Jan de Vries NED
Fourth Official: Allard Lindhout NED
Video Assistant Referee:Bastian Dankert GER Ivan Bebek CRO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sören Storks GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Nicola Rizzoli ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Jan de Vries NED
Fourth Official: Allard Lindhout NED
Video Assistant Referee:
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sören Storks GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Nicola Rizzoli ITA
UEFA Delegate: Manuel Huber SUI
Sanchez Martinez?? If it was really said that he lost the WC because of that match in Paris, then this appointment makes no sense to me, obviously we can expect that as a form of compensation he will get a European final this season, even though I do not see what he has done to deserve it?
ReplyDeleteI am quite sure that Sanchez will not do a European final this season. The right question is not so much "Sanchez Martinez??" as "where is Alejandro Hernandez?". It would have made more sense to give Hernandez this match, rather than repeating Sanchez after his so-so performance (it was not a disaster!) last week, surely? The only thing I can think of, again unless something has happened that we don't know about, is that there is concern that FIFA could reconsider Hernandez's status after a bad continental performance (remember that the ref-res numbers currently stand at 37-15 and could very easily be made even!) and they want to avoid that happening?
Delete+1, Unbelievable what kind of lobby the Spanish have, because lets be real is there really even one Spanish referee right now who deserves a place at the WC?
DeleteDoes it mean the season is over for the Meler?
ReplyDeleteWell, Path for Makkelie continiue. Expected to be seen at very hot clash Forest Porto!
ReplyDeleteThis new appointment for the Spanish referee is certainly unexpected, but we know how things work. The performance in front of Rosetti didn't go well, to say it kindly, but still we can imagine that this might be one of the last appearances for referees of Spanish nationality. They could be out from all the semifinals, especially considering the large number of Spanish teams still involved.
ReplyDeleteIt must also be interpreted in terms of the “Spanish quota,” even though it would have been more logical to expect Hernández Hernández, unless they plan to assign him a Champions League semifinal, which would be shocking. Moreover, that would expose him to the risk of being burned even before the World Cup begins, so this decision can also be seen as an attempt to preserve the referee from the Canary Islands.
Unfortunately, we now have to get used to these kinds of interpretations, because what happens behind the scenes is very complex. And here, of course, everything related to technical performance, what Rosetti saw in Paris, has been completely thrown out the window in order to appoint the same official once again, and that is what should worry us more than anything else.
As for the rest, Gil Manzano is also out, which confirms that Spanish referees need to get games before they are no longer able to, once again in a match involving an Italian team.
But we have something even more interesting: the replacement of Dankert as VAR in the match officiated by Makkelie. From the Dutch federation website, we learn that the original appointment included Dankert, but he was removed and replaced with Bebek by UEFA.
Now we know that Dankert will once again work as VAR in the same match for which he had been appointed in the first leg in Champions, and at this point we might imagine that someone else involved there has been replaced.
I think the Ucl final is still wide open. Letexier had very good observers including Rizzoli earlier this year and Bleeckere. Oliver with Sajn. The VAR roles are strange, Letexier with Dankert and Mackelie with Bebek.
ReplyDeleteTaylor back in a Spanish vs German clash after Euro 2024 infamous QF.
ReplyDeletePresumably, the clear home victory of the German team in the first leg favored this appointment. In the case of a closer result and a more open outcome, one probably would not have tried to 'return' Anthony Taylor with exactly this game. Now, however, it is a brilliant move to 'pacify' the Germans symbolically with an assignment for a game against a Spanish team (given that Freiburg will probably advance to the semifinals).
DeleteWow .. sanchez martinez is a huge surprise for me.. the others are not unexpected
ReplyDeleteElite Referees with no QF:
ReplyDeleteHernandez, Meler, Kavanagh, Lambrechts, Gozubuyuk, Jovanovic, Peljto, Stieler , Marciniak
I wouldn't be surprised if some of those get an appointment in a 1st leg SF in UCL.
DeleteGozubuyuk is ought to be in the UCL SF, at the very least. Very underrated referee. I see below the Hernandez discussion. I cant believe a scenario of giving it to Hernández - with only 5 UCL games until this year —and now (with the SF) he’d have 6 UCL games! just in 2025/2026... This management is not possible in my eyes.
DeleteI hope I’m wrong, but (unless some kind of injury) I SMELL that UEFA is waiting for a PSG-Bayern SF for give it to Hernandez…This would be SHOCKING (!) but we have to be prepared in case this scenario happens.
ReplyDeleteIt's my feeling as well...
DeleteSanchez also repeats Aston Villa from the previous round, which could support the theory, that he is a replacement.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Marciniak should get this game?
Sanchez did Villa's Round of 16 1st leg and also had a European game last week so seems a strange appointment.
ReplyDeleteRizzoli Last Appointments as Observer:
ReplyDeleteOlympiacos vs Real Madrid 26/11/2025 - Oliver
SL Benfica vs Real Madrid 17/02/2026 - Letexier
Now
Nottingham vs Porto 16/04/2026 - Makkelie
Very nice game for Makkelie, plus to be observed by Rizzoli...
Final test for something more this season (?)
Massa with his chaotic style could have very complicated game,especially with both sides being very temperamental and with having Iberian derby that is very close.
ReplyDeleteAlso,if Celta makes some sort of a comeback,Taylor could be in a lot of trouble;
ReplyDelete-Spanish vs German
-spanish media
-attacks on refs by spanish clubs and media last weeks
-Taylor's past
Taylor without his usual AR2 for this match and why perhaps. Also he was trusted by Webb and the PGMOL for a title decider in the premier League on Sunday instead of Oliver. This match on Sunday if everything goes well for Taylor then he can have a big case for the UCL semi finals first leg as a great option to choose in Paris
ReplyDeleteI believe that Taylor's usual AR2 Nunn is injured
DeleteAll three English Uefa Elite's with big games this weekend (and Oliver has had Arsenal and City in the last 2 weeks)... Taylor has not had Nunn as AR2 for a few matches now. An injury would make sense
DeleteAll 3 are without their normal AR2's this weekend. Nunn likely injured/Mainwaring can't do Manchester teams and Hussin can't do Liverpool/Everton
DeleteSzymon Marciniak is back! He'll be the referee of Raków Częstochowa vs. Cracovia on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteSome news for Uefa now no panic mode in the UCL semi finals appointments because the number one ref is back
DeleteVery good.
DeleteUEFA will make everything to appoint Marciniak in a CL semifinal, or maybe even two if not three!
ReplyDeleteWhy not all of them!
DeleteNot three, but two is possible!
DeleteI’m spontaneously watching AZA vs. SHK in the Conference League. A very good first half from Jablonski. Not an easy game, he’s doing well. I’m looking forward to the second half... excellent…
ReplyDeleteI dropped in just before half time but a very bad miss by Jablonski, not sanctioning a studs-above-knee contact of SHK#17. Ball was played first and the contact was in the aftermath, but a (dark) YC should definitely have been issued! To the contrary AZ#11 did receive a (justified) YC in the following challenge.
DeleteYou can read more and comment here:
Deletehttps://law5-theref.blogspot.com/2026/04/europa-conference-league-202526-referee_14.html
Thank you, @Chefren.
DeleteMarciniak is back! This is great news for the committee. It looks like Marciniak will be reviving Rosetti once again, so we'll have someone to nominate for the semifinals. My nominations, taking his return into account (tongue in cheek, but I guess anything is possible in this situation):
ReplyDeletePSG - Bayern: Marciniak/Oliver
Atletico - Arsenal: Makkelie/Marciniak
Final: Oliver/Makkelie
Much depends on the Atletico-Arsenal match. If Arsenal advances to the final, Oliver will naturally be excluded, and Makkelie will get the final. If Atletico advances, Oliver will get the final. Some will say Letexier is an option, of course, if Bayern eliminates PSG, but I'm not convinced. Oliver and Makkelie deserve and worked their way to the final more than anyone else. Letexier still has time; his time will come.
DeleteI don't think, Marciniak will get another Bayern CL semifinal after 2024.
DeleteI wonder whether Szymon Marciniak will be used at all in the European Cup this season: After he got injured again immediately following a break due to injury, I could also imagine resting him completely with a view to the World Cup, in order to avoid any further risk. Of course, he could be sorely needed in the Champions League...
DeleteCorrect red card after review by makkelie.
ReplyDeleteOFR for Makkelie in Nottingham. Clear RC for SFP.
ReplyDeleteMakkelie miss the red card
ReplyDeleteDamn….
DeleteAstonishing start in Nottingham. Bednarek RC for SFP after 6 minutes. Initially only foul given
ReplyDeleteRC for SFP after OFR, Bebek called Makkelie for this one:
ReplyDeletehttps://streambug.org/cv/cf21e4
This was the replay shown by VAR on monitor to referee, in my opinion he should have shown the other angle to highlight exactly the point of contact, even though one can figure it.
Agree on interesting angle choice, and it felt like Bebek took a very long time to suggest a review. I know Uefa care less than some leagues, but personally I like to see a view in live speed to show full picture of force and intensity to the referee as well. But absolutely correct outcome in the end
DeleteMakkelie 2 meter from action with great view and not even a yellow card.
ReplyDeleteYep, a pretty bad miss to only give a FK live IMO.
DeleteOn a much more irrelevant note, I think he forgot to do the TV box signal before giving the RC
I'd be happy if the lawmakers got rid of that tbh. It seems purely performative, given that the gesture is already made before going to the screen. And even less necessary where announcements are made
DeleteIt seems he looked away right at the time of the challenge, hence missing the SFP.
Deletehttps://jumpshare.com/s/SBrCcrzOXuZAvJeGBK1h
Pinheiro lost a red card due to a clear elbow to the face in Strasbourg. VAR needs to intervene.
ReplyDeleteMakkelie OFR:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.streambug.io/cv/6048d3
How is this not a RC in Strasbourg ??
ReplyDeleteHere the incident:
Deletehttps://www.streambug.io/cv/fccfeb
Don’t know how VAR stay silent with this clear elbow in the head
ReplyDeleteMight Pinheiro not be the best ref in Europe after all ? 🤔
ReplyDeleteWhere are Pinheiro's fans? Show up here and defend him. lol
ReplyDeletePinheiro's red card in Strasbourg was overlooked. Mainz player Kohr strikes opponent in the face with his elbow.
DeleteOFR penalty awarded for handball at a Villa Park
ReplyDeleteSanchez is at it again in Birmingham, very poor everything is all over the place,he has no control of the game maybe we can start calling it his style no wonder he's going to miss the WC
DeleteAfter Lahoz retired, neither of Spain's top referees took off. There are always controversies surrounding them. Not even Hdz Hdz is exempt.
DeleteWhat is Sanchez looking.at when he doesn't see this handball???
ReplyDeleteYes Makkelie was very close to the challenge and with a clear view. However, it seems, by analyzing the replay, that he looked away right at the time of the tackle as one can se here;
ReplyDeletehttps://jumpshare.com/s/SBrCcrzOXuZAvJeGBK1h
Very very unlucky for the dutch.
+1. Very unlucky indeed.
DeleteNot a single referee would spot this. Flawless from Makkelie, as per usual.
DeleteMQ, don’t exaggerate.
DeleteMakkelie, he is looking direct to the situation without action.
ReplyDeleteAm I’m the only one that just loves how Makkelie produces his cards from his notebook?
ReplyDeleteI’m old-fashioned in that respect. A yellow card in the left breast pocket and a red card in the back right pocket is always my preferred choice. But I agree with you, there’s something choreographed about Makkelie’s style.
DeleteIt’s great in my opinion that referees differ in style. Kuipers also used a notebook every time he was unsure of the color of the card, in that way he managed to buy himself a few extra seconds of thought.
Deletehttps://www.dutchreferee.com/referee-wallet-you-always-need-one/
YC & RC in the same pocket (along with a piece of paper separating both, instead of a notebook) used to be the 'classic' Spanish card-showing procedure, used by 75-80% of Spanish referees until 10 years ago (López Nieto, Díaz Vega, Mejuto González...). Those who didn't, had YC+paper in one shirt pocket and RC in the other pocket (García Aranda, Iturralde González, Undiano Mallenco...)
DeleteThen the Adidas 2016 kits came with its unconfortable double velcro in the chest pockets, which resulted in many Spanish refs who previously had their cards in the chest pockets (be it either together or separated) to switch to shorts pockets (Mateu Lahoz, De Burgos Bengoetxea, Hernández Hernández...) and as a result most Spanish semi-professional and grassroots refs decided to imitate them.
I have always heard the old story of keeping the red card as far away as possible from the hands to have those few extra seconds to think before showing it, but perhaps today with VAR, even this detail loses some meaning (not for incidents on the pitch, anyway).
DeleteThat's something what fascinates me at refereeing. The diversity of styles and the psychological thoughts that are behind every style.
DeleteImo Italians have ,and had the best way of showing cards,than I feel pretty much rest of the world started to copy them or that was more optional?
DeleteI remember Rizzoli,Rocchi and Orsato ,elegant and quick way to show cards.
Or maybe I am just remembering golden ages of Italian refereeing?🙃
@M I think you are forgetting someone... Hint: RR.
DeleteIt is also fascinating to see that every country differs, even when it comes to whistles. In PL almost all referees use black Fox 40 with a wrist lanyard. Italian refs use colorful Fox 40, Scandinavian & German use alot of Molten Valkeens.
Delete100% this. No one can produce a card out of their pockets quite like Maestro Makkelie. It's an art form watching him take the cards out. I'm left in awe of such gracious hand movements.
DeleteSanchez handball, OFR, video with poor quality.
ReplyDeleteBut always difficult when headbutt before, I think the touch by arm was missed for this reason, classic penalty after OFR:
https://streambug.org/cv/bb1c58
Astonishing no RC in strasbourg. Pinheiro not expected to see that with play on the other side but VAR must intervene
ReplyDeleteTonight is way tougher night for refs with way challenging matches than in CL.
ReplyDeleteAll over the place,whether EL or CL.
Massa will for sure have challenging 2nd half if result will be active with both temperamental sides,same.goes for Makkelie aswell in EL.
In Conf League,Pinheiro also has some difficulties ,but Eskas will have very challenging 2nd half with very problematic teams to officiate.
After tonight matches,one thing is sure. Letexier will have at list Uefa Europa League final this year. Makkelie top control of the game in England,but Oliver stays undobutfuly no 1 candidate for CL final,and cannot be the UEL final candidate anymore.
ReplyDeleteSF predictions
ReplyDeleteBetis - Freiburg: Bastien / Mariani
Nottingham - Villa: Hernandez / Letexier
Donetsk - Crystal: Lambrechts / Meler
Vallecano - Racing: Siebert / Nyberg
Not betis
DeleteRight, Braga - Freiburg, of course.
DeleteNottingham vs Porto
ReplyDeleteAn early OFR (6’) is never easy as it can unsettle a referee and disrupt his flow. Still, Makkelie reset quickly, stayed composed and showed solid game management and focus for the remainder of a tight game between comparable teams. Most importantly, it passed without real controversy. Let’s see what his next appointment will be.
It looked like he briefly glanced to the side at the exact moment the foul occurred, but I need to see it again to be sure. Possibly something caught his eye? If so, that’s just really unlucky. I’m curious whether that would be considered blameworthy. If so, then it is what it is. The most important thing is that he maintained full control and acceptance after that moment and no controversy arose. The next match should still be fine, but let’s wait and see.
Delete+1 RFX. Good intervention by Bebek and overall good performance by Makkelie, with common sense disciplinary choices and full control. It was very pleasant to watch a match with high mutual respect for/to referees on the FoP, which has not been the case in all of the matches this week.
DeleteFor last night Whatever Letexier was trying to do was weirdly strange. specially second half try to experiment fouls and giving dividing as normal fouls in touchlines where some referees call fouls for attackers fav or ignore at all and he never showing cards for it and the energy was as he did not care that game at all. it felt as he knew never that he wasn't on spotlight.
ReplyDeleteBoth Greece and Cyprus entered their leagues' championship groups and therefore many foreign appointments have been made. Here is the list:
ReplyDeleteGreece
Sun 05/04 PAOK - Panathinaïkós (Damian Sylwestrzak)
Sun 05/04 Olymbiakós - AEK Athens (Tobias Stieler)
Sun 19/04 AEK Athens - PAOK (Jesús Gil Manzano)
Sun 19/04 Panathinaïkós - Olymbiakós (Halil Umut Meler)
Cyprus
Sun 22/03 Pafos FC - Apóllon Limassol (Gianluca Mangeniello)
Sun 22/03 AEK Larnaca - APOEL Nicosia (Daniel Siebert)
Sat 04/04 Omónia Nicosia - Pafos FC (Andris Treimanis)
Sun 05/04 Apóllon Limassol - AEK Larnaca (Morten Krogh Hansen)
Tue 14/04 Aris Limassol - Pafos FC (Stefan Ebner)
Tue 14/04 APOEL Nicosia - Apóllon Limassol (Mikkel Hedberg Redder)
Tue 14/04 AEK Larnaca - Omónia Nicosia (Daniele Chiffi)
Sat 18/04 Omónia Nicosia - APOEL Nicosia (Łukasz Kuźma)
Sat 18/04 Pafos FC - AEK Larnaca (Jacob Karlsen)
Sat 18/04 Aris Limassol - Apóllon Limassol (Peiman Simani)
Manzano hitting Mallorca-Florence-Athens in 7 days.
Deletehttps://streambug.org/cv/3270c6
DeleteI saw a news in the Turkish press that Meler will manage the Greece derby. Do you think this match can send him back to Europe, at least in the conference league semi-final @Chefreb
ReplyDeleteThere shouldn't be a particular connection between getting this game abroad for Meler and a possible assignment in UEFA, however I expect him in Europa League semifinal, maybe first leg. Not Champions League.
DeleteI have a question for you guys ( explain how the logic works out) if both teams are from the same nation can that game get officials with similar nationalities, for example Nottingham v Aston Villa can it be handled by English match officials .
ReplyDeleteOne can come out saying did you see anything like that in the UCL quarter final tie, the Spanish derby (BAR ATL) but we also know that at the moment Spain has no elite referee you can trust for a derby this season (all 3 not convincing) yet Englands Three elite referees all in good form this season including Kavanagh he has been flawless this year in Europe, so if its possible can we expect a English referee taking the honors at Forest v Villa
I cannot remember this ever being handled this way by UEFA. If one were to consider assigning an English referee, I would assume that it would be preferable to assign him to the same team twice in a row in the respective parallel matches. It might be different in confederations that are dominated by even fewer countries (CONMEBOL; ARG/BRA, CONCACAF; MEX/USA). In Europe, however, I think UEFA will remain loyal to its unwritten rule. In my opinion, this is a wise decision, because on the one hand, referees have already officiated the respective teams dozens of times in their national leagues (and therefore have a certain past, in which there were certainly also disputed decisions or media follow-ups) and, on the other hand, to protect them for the future, because in the case of unexpected events, they would be unusable for the respective teams long-term or even permanently.
DeleteThis never happened in recent times at UEFA level, we discussed it very often here, and I can remember as example Martin Atkinson from England getting Wales - Northern Ireland at EURO 2016 (both referee and teams from UK).But not the "exact" country. I don't know if they can make an exception, but I don't think so.
DeleteI don't think they would do this. On top of other considerations about same-country ties, for English teams specifically the refereeing expectations are so different between PL and UEFA competition that using an English referee in "European mode" could just confuse everyone involved. It could be a nice opportunity to appoint e.g. Walsh to teams he could not usually officiate though, if they deemed him ready for the test (maybe unlikely this year).
DeleteThanks you for all your replies, now I can understand the logic behind it
DeleteNow that all German clubs have been eliminated from the Conference League, does that make Daniel Siebert the leading candidate for this final?
ReplyDeleteProbably yes, other candidates maybe be Hdz Hdz, the other elite from Netherlands, Pinheiro
DeleteAlso all three Italians are somehow possible, I think. Schärer, Eskas and Nyberg as well (if they don't get even more).
Delete