Latest news with #Peljto
Metro
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Why Conference League final referee Peljto was banned for 6 matches this season
Irfan Peljto will referee the Europa Conference League final between Chelsea and Real Betis on Wednesday night after an eventful season so far. Bosnia's top ref will become the first from his country to referee a major UEFA club competition final when he takes charge in Wroclaw, Poland. The 40-year-old has been refereeing internationally since 2015 and he handled seven Champions League games this season, most notably the first leg of the quarter-final between Arsenal and Real Madrid. However, this season he was also banned for six games in the Bosnian Premijer Liga thanks to a number of errors in a single game. The clash between Zrinjski Mostar and Borac Banja Luka in September ended 1-1 but the referee's performance earned a scathing review from the powers that be. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. A Bosnian FA statement pointed out three notable errors, explaining: 'In the 25th minute, the referee, although very well positioned and with a clear view of the incident, failed to recognise an obvious foul and award a penalty kick to FK Borac. 'In the 26th minute, the referee, although well positioned, failed to award a direct free kick for the away team after a clear foul which led to a goal for the home team 'In the 90th+5 minute, the referee failed to award a clear penalty kick for Zrinjski too.' Both Peljto and the VAR officials for the game were suspended for six games in Bosnia and he did not referee a Premijer Liga game again until November 3. The ban did not extend beyond Bosnia, though, as Peljto took charge of Champions League games and a UEFA Nations League match during that gap between Bosnian league games. Speaking of his pride of being asked to officiate the final, he paid tribute to his assistants who he called the 'wings' to his 'engine' during a match. 'We are living a dream,' he told 'To receive the call was very emotional. It's an honour not only for my career, but to bring the flag of my small country under the European spotlight is a very proud moment. 'It is also not just a moment for me but also for my team, Senad Ibrišimbegović and Davor Beljo. 'I am the engine, but these guys are my wings and we all have to work together to be successful. 'I hope it is also a moment for the future of referees in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that young referees have this positive perspective on refereeing, and that we have created a path for them. More Trending 'We will work hard and give everything we can on the night to make sure that it's a success. We will be completely focused, and afterwards it will be nice to reflect on a special occasion for all of us.' Of the Chelsea vs Real Betis final he added: 'They are huge clubs with big histories, and of course a lot of supporters. They are two top teams with fantastic players, so we also need to be prepared. 'We always say that every match is like a final, no matter what, as if it will be the last in your career. 'As referees, we receive a lot of support from UEFA, with mental, tactical and physical preparation. There is a lot to understand about the approach of each team, and individual players, and these sides have two different styles.' MORE: Liverpool begin talks to sign £83m striker ahead of Chelsea MORE: Spanish teams' record in major finals is unreal ahead of Chelsea vs Real Betis MORE: Jose Mourinho issues warning to Chelsea over Conference League final
Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Chelsea's Conference League final ref has been banned for 6 matches this season
Irfan Peljto will officiate Chelsea's highly-anticipated UEFA Conference League final with Real Betis on Wednesday evening, but the Bosnian referee has seen his fair share of controversy this season The referee in charge of Chelsea's UEFA Conference League final with Real Betis has alarmingly been banned for six games already this season. Irfan Peljto will see the honour of being the first Bosnian official to oversee a major UEFA club competition on Wednesday night when the Blues take on Los Verdiblancos at the Stadion Wroclaw. However, the 40-year-old – who was in charge of Arsenal's 3-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg win over Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium just last month – may feel the pressure over amped up scrutiny heading into the match. That's because Peljto faced a six-match ban in his homeland earlier this season after making a series of errors during Zrinjski Mostar's 1-1 derby clash with Boran Banja. In total, the referee made three major mistakes during the fixture – which took place at the Bijeli Brijeg Stadium in September – two of which coming as failures to award clear penalties. In a damning statement made by the Bosnian FA, it was highlighted how the official was in a good position to see both penalty claims, as well as a foul which led to a goal for Borac. It read: "In the 25th minute, the referee, although very well positioned and with a clear view of the incident, failed to recognise an obvious foul and award a penalty kick to FK Borac. "In the 26th minute, the referee, although well positioned, failed to award a direct free kick for the away team after a clear foul which led to a goal for the home team. In the 90th+5 minute, the referee failed to award a clear penalty kick for Zrinjski too." As a result, Peljto was handed a six-game ban from the Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the VAR officials for the game saw the same fate. Regardless of the incidents earlier this season, the referee told UEFA that he is honoured to oversee Chelsea's Conference League final with Real Betis. He said: "We are living a dream. To receive the call was very emotional. It's an honour not only for my career, but to bring the flag of my small country under the European spotlight is a very proud moment. "I hope it is also a moment for the future of referees in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that young referees have this positive perspective on refereeing, and that we have created a path for them." Despite his country's FA pulling him up for his mistakes made earlier in the season, UEFA seem to hold Peljto in high regard – with the official overseeing six Champions League games and four Europa League matches this season. However, Barry Ferguson has also took problem with Peljto this season for his officiating during Rangers' 2-0 quarter-final second leg loss to Athletic Club in the Europa League in April. The teams saw their first game at Ibrox finish 0-0 before meeting once more at the Estadio de San Mames – with Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams omitting the Glaswegian outfit from the competition. However, Rangers boss Ferguson claimed that Peljto and VAR official missed Cyriel Dessers having his shirt pulled in the penalty area by Yeray Alvarez, as well as an Athletic handball in the box in the second half which could have changed the game. The result of Chelsea's clash with Betis in Poland come Wednesday comes as both clubs' last hope of achieving silverware for 2024/25 – however, the benefits of winning the tournament will do very little for both clubs in terms of the European football they will play next year. The winner of the UEFA Conference League automatically qualifies for the Europa League in 2025/26, but with Betis already achieving their place in the tournament via a sixth-place finish in La Liga, and Chelsea qualifying for the Champions League by ending the Premier League season in fourth, neither side will truly utilise the perks of winning the competition. Regardless, both Enzo Maresca and Manuel Pellegrini will have high hopes of winning when their sides clash on Wednesday evening, with both failing to secure domestic silverware this term.
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Referee who was hit with six-match ban this season named as official for Chelsea vs Real Betis Conference League final
Ref made three major mistakes, with two of them unfathomable REF'S SAKE Referee who was hit with six-match ban this season named as official for Chelsea vs Real Betis Conference League final Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A REFEREE who was hit with a six-match ban this season will take charge of Chelsea's Conference League final against Real Betis. Irfan Peljto will become the first Bosnian to officiate a major Uefa club competition final on Wednesday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Conference League final ref Irfan Peljto was banned for six matches earlier this season Credit: Getty The clash sees Chelsea looking to become the first-ever club to win all three European titles. But Betis will prove to be their toughest test yet, with Premier League flops including Antony, Pablo Fornals and Gio Lo Celso shining under ex-Man City title winner Manuel Pellegrini. Enzo Maresca's men will have to be at their best just days after securing Champions League football with a fourth-place domestic finish. However, their fate could end up in the hands of Peljto, who oversaw Arsenal's Champions League semi-final first leg win over Real Madrid in April. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL CRIS AND TELL Ronaldo makes major announcement amid Club World Cup transfer rumours The 40-year-old is held in high regard by Uefa, having also taken charge of a further six Champions League matches and four Europa League clashes this term. However, back in his native Bosnia, Peljto was banned for six matches after overseeing an error-strewn game. He was found guilty of making three major mistakes, with two errors involving his failure to award clear penalties. September's 1-1 derby draw between bitter rivals Zrinjski Mostar and Borac Banja caused plenty of controversy, with the Bosnian FA declaring both sides should have been awarded penalties on separate occasions. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS A damning statement declared: "In the 25th minute, the referee, although very well positioned and with a clear view of the incident, failed to recognise an obvious foul and award a penalty kick to FK Borac. "In the 26th minute, the referee, although well positioned, failed to award a direct free kick for the away team after a clear foul which led to a goal for the home team. Inside Chelsea's dressing room celebrations after Champions League spot secured "In the 90th+5 minute, the referee failed to award a clear penalty kick for Zrinjski too." Despite his previous ban, Peljto believes his selection for the Conference League final is a huge boost for Bosnian football. He told Uefa: 'We are living a dream. To receive the call was very emotional. It's an honour not only for my career, but to bring the flag of my small country under the European spotlight is a very proud moment. 'I hope it is also a moment for the future of referees in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that young referees have this positive perspective on refereeing, and that we have created a path for them.'
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Referee who was hit with six-match ban this season named as official for Chelsea vs Real Betis Conference League final
A REFEREE who was hit with a six-match ban this season will take charge of Chelsea's Conference League final against Real Betis. Irfan Peljto will become the first Bosnian to officiate a major Uefa club competition final on Wednesday. 1 Conference League final ref Irfan Peljto was banned for six matches earlier this season Credit: Getty The clash sees But Betis will prove to be their toughest test yet, with Enzo Maresca's men will have to be at their best However, their fate could end up in the hands of Peljto, who oversaw Arsenal's Champions League semi-final first leg win over Real Madrid in April. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL The 40-year-old is held in high regard by Uefa, having also taken charge of a further six Champions League matches and four Europa League clashes this term. However, back in his native Bosnia, He was found guilty of making three major mistakes, with two errors involving his failure to award clear penalties. September's 1-1 derby draw between bitter rivals Zrinjski Mostar and Borac Banja caused plenty of controversy, with the Bosnian FA declaring both sides should have been awarded penalties on separate occasions. Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS A damning statement declared: "In the 25th minute, the referee, although very well positioned and with a clear view of the incident, failed to recognise an obvious foul and award a penalty kick to FK Borac. "In the 26th minute, the referee, although well positioned, failed to award a direct free kick for the away team after a clear foul which led to a goal for the home team. Inside Chelsea's dressing room celebrations after Champions League spot secured "In the 90th+5 minute, the referee failed to award a clear penalty kick for Zrinjski too." Despite his previous ban, Peljto believes his selection for the Conference League final is a huge boost for Bosnian football. He told Uefa: 'We are living a dream. To receive the call was very emotional. It's an honour not only for my career, but to bring the flag of my small country under the European spotlight is a very proud moment. 'I hope it is also a moment for the future of referees in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that young referees have this positive perspective on refereeing, and that we have created a path for them.'
The National
13-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
Referee from Rangers' Bilbao tie handed European final
Rangers boss Barry Ferguson was fuming after his side were denied what he insisted were two clear penalties in their 2-0 Europa League quarter finals defeat in Spain to Athletic Bilbao. Read more: The Ibrox club were unhappy that Peljto or his VAR team didn't give spot kicks after Cyriel Dessers had his shirt clearly pulled in the penalty box by Yeray Alvarez and they claimed there was an Athletic handball in the box after a Nico Raskin effort in the second half too. It was also revealed that his own Bosnian FA banned him for six matches earlier this season after an error-strewn disaster of a game in September, where an official report declared he had made three clear and obvious errors in the game between Zrinjski Mostar and Borac Banja. However, he will be the man in the middle of Chelsea's Europa Conference League Final against Real Betis in Wroclaw, said: "This is an enormous honour for me personally and for Bosnian football."
