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Who is Felix Zwayer, the controversial referee picked to officiate Man Utd vs Tottenham Europa League final?
German referee Felix Zwayer has been appointed to officiate the 2025 Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Here's why the decision is sparking controversy across the football world. read more
German referee Felix Zwayer has been picked by UEFA to officiate the 2025 Europa League , which will take place on Thursday, 22 May, at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain. The kick-off time for the match is scheduled for 12:30 AM IST. UEFA has said that Zwayer will be assisted by his compatriots Robert Kempter and Christian Dietz.
However, the announcement of Zwayer's name has sparked controversy across the football world and the reason will shock you.
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Why is Felix Zwayer controversial?
Felix Zwayer was once banned for six months in 2006 by the German Football Association after being linked to a match-fixing scandal involving fellow referee Robert Hoyzer.
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The incident dates back to 2004, when Zwayer allegedly accepted a bribe while working as Hoyzer's assistant in a second-division German match between Wuppertaler SV and Werder Bremen Amateure. Hoyzer was found guilty of fixing multiple games and was given a lifetime ban.
Zwayer, however, got away with a lighter punishment as he had also helped expose the scandal. That played a role in him getting a reduced six-month suspension.
How did he get the job to officiate the final?
Despite the controversy, Zwayer has rebuilt his career and is now considered one of the top referees in Europe. Over the years, he has officiated several high-profile matches, including the UEFA Nations League final in 2023, England's Euro 2024 semi-final win over the Netherlands and Paris Saint-Germain vs Arsenal 2025 Champions League semi-final 2nd leg.
The upcoming Europa League final between two Premier League giants will be Zwayer's first European club final.
When Zwayer was criticised by Bellingham
Zwayer's name came back into the headlines in 2021 when England midfielder Jude Bellingham, then playing for Borussia Dortmund, publicly criticised him after a match against Bayern Munich.
Bellingham said, 'You give a referee that has match-fixed before the biggest game in Germany… what do you expect?'
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The comment referred to Zwayer's past suspension. As a result, Bellingham received a hefty fine from the German FA. Bellingham's comment had come after a 3-2 loss to Bayern Munich.
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