UEFA has announced the referee line-ups for all major finals set to take place later in the coming weeks, including Manchester United's Europa League showdown against Tottenham Hotspur. United and Spurs will clash in an all-English affair at San Mames Stadium as both clubs eye season-saving silverware and Champions League qualification.
On Monday, UEFA revealed that Germany's Felix Zwayer will be the man in the middle in Bilbao, with compatriots Robert Kempter and Christian Dietz named as his assistants. Italy's Maurizio Mariani and Daniele Bindoni have been appointed the fourth official and reserve assistant referee, respectively.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Bastian Dankert will serve as the video assistant referee (VAR), with fellow German Benjamin Brand his assistant. Carlos del Cerro Grande of Spain is set to be on VAR support duty.
Zwayer is a seasoned professional and well qualified to take charge of a match of the magnitude of the Europa League final on May 21.
The 43-year-old has been an international referee since 2012 and will be officiating his second UEFA final after the 2023 Nations League meeting between Croatia and Spain.
He has worked seven Champions League matches this season, including the semi-final second leg between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal at the Parc des Princes.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Zwayer has also been the referee for two Europa League games and one Conference League outing.
His international experience extends further to Euro 2024, where he was man in the middle in four matches, including England's semi-final victory against the Netherlands.
Zwayer was a real estate broker living in Berlin before starting refereeing in 2004. However, a year later, he was involved in a match-fixing scandal that stalled his career.
The German joined several other referees in reporting 2. Bundesliga official Robert Hoyzer for taking bribes to fix matches.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
But Zwayer himself was hit with a six-month ban, having admitted to also accepting a bribe worth £252 (€300) to favour German club Wuppertaler SV.
He left the controversy behind him to enjoy a successful refereeing career in Germany and across the world, but the incident has resurfaced in recent years.
In December 2021, Jude Bellingham referenced Zwayer's past after Borussia Dortmund were denied a penalty and coach Marco Rose saw red in a match against Bayern Munich.
The outburst prompted Zwayer to take a break from football before returning in February 2022 to officiate in 2. Bundesliga.