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UEFA Faces Backlash Over Match-Fixing Tainted Referee for Champions League Semi-Final

Felix Zwayer, who served a six-month ban in 2005 for accepting a bribe, will officiate PSG vs Arsenal, reigniting scrutiny over his controversial past.

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Overview

  • UEFA has confirmed Felix Zwayer as the referee for the Champions League semi-final second leg between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal in Paris, with Arsenal trailing 1-0 on aggregate.
  • Zwayer, one of Europe’s most experienced referees with over 684 matches officiated, has faced lingering scrutiny since his involvement in a 2005 German match-fixing scandal.
  • In 2005, Zwayer admitted to accepting a €300 bribe while assisting referee Robert Hoyzer, who orchestrated the scandal and received a lifetime ban and prison sentence.
  • Zwayer's rehabilitation since his suspension includes officiating major matches, such as the Euro 2024 semi-final, but his past continues to draw criticism from players like England's Jude Bellingham.
  • UEFA's decision to appoint Zwayer has reignited debate over the balance between career redemption and reputational risk in high-stakes football officiating.