2026-27 UEFA Europa League, Matchday 1. First set of referee assignments, 16 September 2026.
Wednesday 16 September 2026
18:45 CET - Nicosia (GSP Stadium)
OMÓNIA NICOSIA (CYP) - RC CELTA DE VIGO (ESP)
Referee: Balázs Berke HUN
Assistant Referee 1: Vencel Tóth HUN
Assistant Referee 2: Balázs Szert HUN
Fourth Official: Bence Csonka HUN
Video Assistant Referee: Tamás Bognár HUN
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Katalin Kulcsár HUN
UEFA Referee Observer: Rune Pedersen NOR
UEFA Delegate: Aleksandra Pejkovska MKD
18:45 CET - Yerevan (Republican Stadium after Vazgen Sargsyan)
FC ARARAT-ARMENIA (ARM) - AC SPARTA PRAHA (CZE)
Referee: Mohammed Al-Hakim SWE
Assistant Referee 1: Mehmet Culum SWE
Assistant Referee 2: Fredrik Klyver SWE
Fourth Official: Joakim Sars SWE
Video Assistant Referee: Manuel Schüttengruber AUT
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Harald Lechner AUT
UEFA Referee Observer: Paolo Valeri ITA
UEFA Delegate: Jovan Šurbatović SRB
21:00 CET - Leverkusen (BayArena)
BAYER 04 LEVERKUSEN (GER) - NK CELJE (SVN)
Referee: Jasper Vergoote BEL
Assistant Referee 1: Michael Geerolf BEL
Assistant Referee 2: Martijn Tiesters BEL
Fourth Official: Nathan Verboomen BEL
Video Assistant Referee: Jan Boterberg BEL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Denys Shurman UKR
UEFA Referee Observer: Markus Nobs SUI
UEFA Delegate: Colin MacDonald SCO
21:00 CET - Milan (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)
AC MILAN 1899 (ITA) - SL BENFICA (POR)
Referee: Jarred Gillett AUS/ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Neil Davies ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Nick Greenhalgh ENG
Fourth Official: Tony Harrington ENG
Video Assistant Referee: Stuart Attwell ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski POL
UEFA Referee Observer: Ante Vučemilović CRO
UEFA Delegate: Luis Cuervas del Real ESP
21:00 CET - Piraeus (Geórgios Karaïskákis Stadium)
OLYMBIAKÓS (GRE) - JAGIELLONIA BIAŁYSTOK (POL)
Referee: Harm Osmers GER
Assistant Referee 1: Christian Gittelmann GER
Assistant Referee 2: Christian Dietz GER
Fourth Official: Florian Exner GER
Video Assistant Referee: Sören Storks GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Pascal Müller GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Michael Johansen DEN
UEFA Delegate: Maksims Krivuņecs LVA
21:00 CET - Anderlecht (Lotto Park)
RSC ANDERLECHT (BEL) - OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS (FRA)
Referee: Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea ESP
Assistant Referee 1: Iker de Francisco Grijalba ESP
Assistant Referee 2: Iván Massó Granado ESP
Fourth Official: Adrián Cordero Vega ESP
Video Assistant Referee: César Soto Grado ESP
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz ESP
UEFA Referee Observer: Hannes Kaasik EST
UEFA Delegate: David Findlay SCO
21:00 CET - Graz (Stadium Graz-Liebenau)
SK STURM GRAZ (AUT) - STADE RENNAIS FC (FRA)
Referee: Manfredas Lukjančukas LTU
Assistant Referee 1: Mangirdas Mirauskas LTU
Assistant Referee 2: Aleksandras Stepanovas LTU
Fourth Official: Vilius Paulauskas LTU
Video Assistant Referee: Clay Ruperti NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jeroen Manschot NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Karen Nalbandyan ARM
UEFA Delegate: Karl Espen Eriksen NOR
21:00 CET - Sunderland (Stadium of Light)
SUNDERLAND AFC (ENG) - AZ ALKMAAR (NED)
Referee: Jérémie Pignard FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Aurélien Drouet FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Hicham Zakrani FRA
Fourth Official: Romain Lissorgue FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Bastien Dechepy FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Mario Zebec CRO
UEFA Referee Observer: Mattias Gestranius FIN
UEFA Delegate: René Siegrist SUI
21:00 CET - Bucharest, Romania (Superbet Arena - Giulești)
HAPOEL BE'ER SHEVA (ISR) - GNK DINAMO (CRO)
Referee: John Brooks ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Gary Beswick ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Blake Antrobus ENG
Fourth Official: Andrew Kitchen ENG
Video Assistant Referee: Darren England ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Peter Bankes ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Alain Sars FRA
UEFA Delegate: Jan Willem van Dop NED
Milan - Benfica
ReplyDeleteJarred Gillett ENG
I know Jarred Gillett’s fans will hate me for this, but his appointment proves that Roberto Rosetti has absolutely no clue how to manage referees.
DeleteWhat exactly did Gillett do to earn such a massive match? Last seasons, he was considered too weak even for the UEFA Conference League. Now, he’s handed a huge Europa League game as his debut in the main phase of a major European club competition. It's pathetic!
We already know that referees from the top five leagues get non-stop favoritism, but this decision absolutely takes the cake...
The only things I can think of is that he may have been ranked highly by the fa or it could be to do with his high level of var performances but I'd admit it is strange
DeleteReally surprising appointment. Wondering what committee plans are with Gillett
DeleteHello, this is my first time leaving a message. Could you please tell me which website lists the referees?
ReplyDeleteExample for AC MILAN 1899 (ITA) - SL BENFICA (POR):
Deletehttps://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2050058--milan-vs-benfica/
I think Gillett deserves league games this season due to his domestic performance but surprised his debut is coming in such a big game. I'm guessing Antrobus will stay on his game with Brooks despite being involved in a high profile mistake as AVAR yesterday.
ReplyDeleteUEFA and Pro Ref are separate. UEFA dont tend to drop for league performance.
DeleteOT: No involment at all for Donohue or Antrobus in the Premier League/Championship this weekend (although Antrobus AR for brooks on Wednesday). Also PL debut for Adam Herczeg doing Leeds vs Palace.
ReplyDeleteI find it very interesting to check after how many matches the two who were on VAR duties will be appointed again, because for the English standards to be assigned practically for every match on every week, as we know, now this is a very, very heavy situation. Crucial mistake that influenced the final outcome of a top clash.
DeleteIf we then want to talk about Michael Oliver's potential responsibility, which, strictly speaking, shouldn't really exist, once he saw the situation from the pitch, he could have perhaps asked: "'Did you check whether the player in the middle might be punishable because he attempts to head the ball?" That wouldn't have been mandatory on his part, though.
Let's say Oliver didn't contribute anything to the process to prevent VAR from making the error on its own, but the referee on the field was hardly required to do so.
Another element to watch closely, however, is the assistant involved, and we will see when he returns. In any case, it's definitely a very serious situation, even for the English standards in which the domestic committee has had always a big (full?) freedom in making assignments if compared to the other European top leagues.
The on-field AR involved Stuart Burt has been appointed to do Bournemouth/Liverpool on Sunday with Oliver.
DeleteOK, then the verdict for them is clear, 100% VAR responsibility, that is understandable and also true, but there could have been maybe chances for further discussions about the other officials.
DeleteThe appointment of Jarred Gillett comes out of nowhere and really doesn't find any explanation if we try to search for it, especially following the situation of the English referees.
ReplyDeleteIt would have been logical at this point to expect Samuel Barrott, who is being followed by UEFA; instead, Gillett is placed in this match.
It seems like a choice that is a bit of a gift, to give the referee the opportunity to officiate this game maybe for his long experience on UEFA VAR duties but we still can't find an explanation for it.
However, you know that we have often seen technical merit set aside a bit, and at this point, one really has to ask what the point is of trying to build a referee's career path when, at the same time, appointments like this can be made.
If we follow the entire path strictly, then there is no logic whatsoever. The committee could easily appoint referees out of the blue like this without them having previous experience.
Once again, we can say that referees coming from the top five European associations enjoy a freedom of appointment that is impossible for the rest of the names. Is this right? Not at all.
Another argument could be that, after the retirement of Taylor, they need to accelerate with English referees, but well, that's not the way.
Neverrtheless, this isn't a comment against the referee and I want to wish him good luck for this game.
Referees from smaller nations have to prove they are capable of officiating at high level over and over again. One mistake that will make Roberto furious and you are instantly out of favour (Nobre, Lukjančukas, Peljto, Jovanović, etc.). Compare that to this case. How could you appoint a referee without even a UECL match in his palmares to a huge UEL game? Unbelievable.
DeleteWhy is the Assistant Video Assistant Referee not a Belgian in the game of Vergoote ? I have nothing against our Ukranian friends, but this is very strange to me. There are plenty of Belgian referees (who were already on the UEFA scene) who could fulfill this job. But now they choose for a Ukranian collegue ? (which forces the rest of the team to speak no Dutch but English or something in between)
ReplyDeleteWow. Baffling appointments again. Milan vs Benfica could do with a Cat 1 or higher. Gillett is not suitable for this game and has no appointments that could justify it. Even swapping his and Brooks' appointments would be more understandable. To not even have a Conference game and get such a big appointment in the UEL is odd
ReplyDeleteThe game between inter and udinese reminded me of how inconsistent Pairetto is.
ReplyDeleteVery bad foul detection, and his foul criteria was so inconsistent. Despite no major issue, that was not a convincing performance
To put it into perspective, Gillett’s last international match as a referee was a friendly between Brazil and Senegal in November 2025.
ReplyDeleteHis last UEFA International Match referee appointment was in WC Qualifiers, Greece vs Belarus in September 2025.
His last appointment in the middle of a UEFA Club Competition game was UCL Qualifiers in July 2024, Shamrock Rovers vs Vikingur.
He refereed 2 UECL Qualifiers in July/August 2023, as well as a EURO Qualifiers in June 2023.
Those are his only international/european appointments as a referee, and has been placed in charge of AC Milan vs Benfica.
This isn’t anything against Gillett, but maybe the people deciding where he goes, because it feels as though he may have a lot of pressure on his head. Nontheless, I wish him and his team the best of luck!
Gillett appointment looks strange but at the end of the day life can give a Shortcut , And again we all know Jared is one of the best in the premier league with Taylor gone, he can join the elite alongside Brooks at the end of the season . For sure with a series of outstanding performances starting with huge clash in Milan
ReplyDeleteAt first, he should join first category xd
DeleteY is everyone so negative about gillet. He's got experience with big matches in afc and in Australia.
ReplyDeleteBig matches in Australia sounds like to be the most beautiful person in the nursing home. Nice, but useless...Joke aside, no one here has anything against the referee personally, but against the way certain referees are given to referee big matches out of nowhere. If the argument is that the referee comes from the top 5 European leagues, that is not an argument. If so, then let's push all Fifa referees from these countries over the line and push them forward without any plan. Why not
DeleteI wonder if theyre auditioning for a replacement cat 1 if Brooks goes up to elite to replace Taylor. Andy Madley has made a comeback recently after being non existent in appointments. Stuart attwell has had middles when hes mainly VAR. Sam Barrott has had plenty of games recently. Just need Robert and Darren to have games.
ReplyDeleteA half in which referee Jarred Gillett performed very well.
ReplyDeleteGillett got it wrong there. He saw a non-existent handball by the Milan player, when in fact the ball hit him in the face.
ReplyDeleteIMO and honestly, Gillett's performance in MIL-BEN till now appears rather disappointing.
ReplyDeleteTechnically imprecise, with too many minor contacts penalized as fouls. Furthermore, his athletic display was barely sufficient (too static, lacking in sprints, and reacting late), coupled with a positioning that was overly central.
I agree with you. I see Gillett more as a VAR—as he has always been in matches outside England—than as an on-field referee at the continental level. In terms of sprinting and positioning, he doesn't seem to have the presence required for UEFA matches.
DeletePenalty by Pignard looks wrong for me. I dont see a foul by the defender
ReplyDeleteagree, I didn't understand why VAR stays silent.
DeleteDidn't see every minute of the match but seemed to be a decent performance by De Burgos in Belgium. Not a hugely challanging game though. Think Gillett did ok overall but I agree with the comments about his fitness/positioning.
ReplyDeleteMinute 83 blatant 2-hand push on an attacker in the penalty area when the ball was around 40 meters away. No VAR.
DeleteSending my deepest condolences to Istvan and Szabolcs Kovacs following the sad passing of their father, Istvan Kovacs senior, at the age of 84. A true football man who left a lasting legacy. My thoughts are with the entire Kovacs family. May he rest in peace!
ReplyDeleteFor me, de Burgos has a mid if not bad game, really poor on foul detection or not consistent on his calls, then imo he missed 2 PK, 83' clear push far from the play, clear PK imo and another situation but forgot the time, with a clear shirt pulled by a Lyon defender.
ReplyDeleteOverall not convinced by his performance.
The crucial penalty call in Pignard game:
ReplyDeletehttps://streamin.me/v/e30e5b8f
Foul by defender or attacker kicking defender?
For me no penalty. Attacker is kicking defender. OFR should have been awarded
DeletePuts his foot in front of the attacker making a shooting motion. This sort of foul has been discussed many times here but the Laws are quite clear that it's a penalty
DeleteNever penalty. Attacker kicks defender.
DeleteYes i. Agree you mr chevren it is not penalty the attacker id who kick the foot of defender , a similar situation for this happenned world cup 2026 canada vs south africa
DeleteAgree with Ecosse. Don’t like this kind of penalty but correct from LOTG.
DeleteOT:
ReplyDeletettps://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/voetbal/ek-2028-lonkt-voor-gouden-arbiter-serdar-gozubuyuk-maar-dit-is-een-punt-waarop-hij-nog-verdere-verbetering-kan-boeken/161395420.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share&utm_campaign=share
For the second year in a row Serdar Gozubuyuk has been named the best referee in the Dutch League and received the prestigious award presented by former top referee and UEFA Referee Committee member Bjorn Kuipers.
The award is recognition of Gozubuyuk consistency and development both domestically and internationally. His next major ambition is clear; EURO 2028.
With the experience he has built over recent seasons and his continued presence at the highest international level a place at EURO 2028 is certainly a realistic and achievable goal
SUNAZ 38' missed SFP and intervention
ReplyDeleteVIDEO:
ReplyDeletehttps://streamable.com/2cyajm
I would like to ask for your opinion on a situation from the Slovak league.
A player accidentally touched the ball with his hand/arm. Around four seconds later, after several further touches, the same player scored.
The relevant wording in the Laws of the Game says:
“immediately after the ball has touched their hand/arm, even if accidental”.
The Slovak Refereeing Committee stated that the referee correctly allowed play to continue because the handball was accidental and the goal was not scored “immediately” afterwards.
My question is: what exactly is considered “immediately” in this context?
Does it depend on time, the number of touches, or the continuity of the attacking action?
In my opinion, the goal should not have counted, but I would be interested in other interpretations. If anyone has RAP/UEFA clips or official guidance showing similar situations, I would really appreciate it if you could share them.
Thank you.
The goal you posted is valid. There is time after the touch by arm.
DeleteLast season in serie A happened a similar case in which IFAB was asked and they also released some clarification.
You can read here what "immediately" should mean:
‘Immediate’ should be interpreted as ‘straight away’. If the player dribbles, passes the ball and receives it back, etc., this is not considered ‘immediate’.
The only time a delay is within the ‘spirit’ of Law 12 is when the attacker immediately shoots and the ball rebounds to them from the goal/opponent, and they shoot again and score.
Example 1: An attacker accidentally touches the ball with the hand/arm, then dribbles past an opponent (by touching the ball several times) and scores.
This would not be considered ‘immediate’ (thus no handball offence).
Example 2: An attacker accidentally touches the ball with the hand/arm in the middle of the field and kicks the ball into the goal, over the opposing goalkeeper, who is far from their goal line.
The ball has travelled a long distance (thus no handball offence).
Example 3: An attacker accidentally touches the ball with the hand/arm and shoots immediately. The ball rebounds from the goalpost or is blocked/saved by a nearby defender/goalkeeper. The same attacker controls the ball and scores.
The referee should apply the ‘spirit of the Law’ and disallow the goal for a handball offence.
Sunderland - AZ
ReplyDelete38': SFP?
https://streamin.link/v/948550d9
In my opinion, a red card for SFP.
ReplyDeleteA tackle with the left leg outstretched, studs forward, involving intense contact with the opponent’s shin, thereby endangering the opponent’s physical integrity