Decision sparks debate as German referee with a history of scandal is trusted with May 21 final in Bilbao.
UEFA has confirmed that Felix Zwayer, one of Europe’s most debated referees, will officiate the UEFA Europa League Final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur on May 21 at San Mamés, Bilbao.
Why This Matters:
Zwayer’s appointment is already stirring strong reactions from fans and pundits. Despite his reputation as a top-tier official, his checkered past includes a 2005 match-fixing suspension—a scandal that continues to cast a shadow over his assignments.
Referee Team:
Main Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany)
Assistants: Robert Kempter, Christian Dietz (Germany)
Fourth Official: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
VAR: Yet to be confirmed
Track Record with the Finalists:
Manchester United:
4 games under Zwayer
2 wins, 2 draws – Unbeaten
Tottenham Hotspur:
2 games under Zwayer
1 draw, 1 loss – Winless
Past Controversies:
2005: Accepted €300 bribe in German match-fixing scandal
2021: Called out by Jude Bellingham after a controversial Bayern-Dortmund match
2024: Refereed England vs Netherlands in Euro 2024 semi-final
2025: Officiated Arsenal’s 2-1 UCL semi-final loss to PSG just days ago
Final Stakes:
Manchester United aim to win their second Europa League title after 2017 and secure Champions League qualification.
Tottenham Hotspur seek their first European trophy since 1984, with redemption and legacy on the line.
Concerns Ahead of Final:
Given Tottenham’s poor record under Zwayer and his history of controversial decisions in high-stakes matches, fans and analysts alike will closely scrutinize every call he makes in Bilbao. With Rúben Amorim’s job potentially on the line and United’s ambiti
ons riding high, the pressure on all parties is massive.
