28-05-2025
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.
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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.'
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