Champions League Referee Felix Zwayer Under Scrutiny Ahead of Arsenal vs. PSG Clash.
The Champions League semi-final second leg between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain is set to be a thrilling encounter, but the appointment of Felix Zwayer as the referee has sparked debate among football fans.
Zwayer, a 43-year-old German referee, has officiated at the highest levels of European football, including Bundesliga matches and Champions League fixtures. However, his career has been overshadowed by a match-fixing scandal dating back to 2005. At the time, Zwayer was working as a linesman and accepted a £250 bribe from fellow referee Robert Hoyzer, who was involved in a larger match-fixing operation linked to a Croatian gambling syndicate.
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While Hoyzer received a lifetime ban and a prison sentence, Zwayer was handed a six-month suspension before returning to officiating and eventually becoming a Bundesliga referee in 2009.
Despite his past, UEFA continues to trust Zwayer with high-profile matches. He has officiated six Champions League games this season, issuing four red cards, 31 yellow cards, and two penalties. His appointment for the Arsenal vs. PSG clash has reignited concerns among fans, with some questioning his credibility and past decisions.
Zwayer has faced criticism from players in the past, most notably Jude Bellingham, who publicly questioned his integrity after a Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich match in 2021. Bellingham was fined €40,000 for his comments, but his remarks reflected lingering doubts about Zwayer’s officiating.
With PSG leading 1-0 from the first leg, Arsenal will be looking to overturn the deficit and reach their first Champions League final since 2006. The referee’s decisions could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this high-stakes match at the Parc des Princes.
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