Controversial Referee to Take Charge of 2025 Europa League Final
Controversial Referee to Take Charge of 2025 Europa League Final.
Controversial referee Felix Zwayer has been appointed by UEFA to take charge of the all-English Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Both Ruben Amorim’s and Ange Postecoglou’s seasons hinge on a victory in the final to achieve qualification for the Champions League, with the two sides sitting 16th and 17th respectively in the Premier League.
The man tasked with overseeing the clash in Bilbao, Zwayer, has plenty of experience in high-profile European competitions. However, he has been followed by controversy throughout his career, having been involved in a high-profile betting scandal that led to criticism from figures such as Jude Bellingham.
Zwayer Set to Take Charge of Europa League Final
The German will officiate his first European final
Despite never refereeing a European final before, Zwayer has been the man in the middle for plenty of big clashes in the past. Notably, he was the referee for England’s 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final.
Much was made of Zwayer’s appointment for the Three Lions fixture due to his history with midfielder Bellingham, who was hit with a fine of roughly £34,000 by the German FA during his time at Borussia Dortmund after hinting at Zwayer’s match-fixing past following a 3-2 defeat against Bayern Munich. The 43-year-old was alleged to have awarded a debatable penalty for a handball by Mats Hummels which allowed Bayern to pick up all three points, with Bellingham launching a scathing attack in his post-match interview.
It was claimed at the time of the Euro 2024 semi-final appointment that UEFA didn’t think twice before giving him the game, suggesting that his controversial past did not weigh on the decision, but fans continue to dig into what landed him in so much trouble.
Zwayer’s Six-Month Ban
The betting incident took place as the German was making his way up through the ranks
MixCollage-09-Jul-2024-12-06-PM-9760
The controversy involving Zwayer dates back to 2005, where the German was handed a six-month suspension from refereeing after being linked to one of German football’s most infamous match-fixing scandals. He had assisted Bundesliga 2 official Robert Hoyzer, who was found guilty of accepting bribes to manipulate several matches. According to reports Zwayer accepted a €300 (£250) bribe from Hoyzer.
However, Zwayer—along with three other referees—eventually came forward and reported Hoyzer’s actions to the German Football Association, helping to expose the wider corruption. As a result, Hoyzer received a lifetime ban, while Zwayer was given a short-term suspension for his initial involvement but credited for assisting in bringing the scandal to light.
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt – accurate as of 13/05/2025.