In a significant announcement ahead of the 2025 UEFA Europa League final, UEFA has confirmed that German referee Felix Zwayer will officiate the highly anticipated clash between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2025. The decision, announced on UEFA’s official website on May 12, has sparked widespread discussion due to Zwayer’s controversial past, while the full officiating team was also revealed to ensure a smoothly run final at the Stadion Energa Gdańsk in Poland.
Zwayer, a 43-year-old referee from Berlin, will take charge of his 11th European match this season, marking a career highlight as he oversees one of the continent’s most prestigious club finals. His appointment, however, has not come without scrutiny. In 2005, Zwayer served a six-month ban from the German Football Association due to his involvement in a match-fixing scandal, where he accepted a bribe but later reported it, aiding the investigation. Despite this, Zwayer has risen through the ranks to become one of UEFA’s trusted officials, though his selection has drawn mixed reactions from fans and pundits, with some referencing past criticisms, including comments from England star Jude Bellingham.
Joining Zwayer for the final are his fellow German assistants, Stefan Lupp and Marco Achmüller, who will serve as assistant referees. The fourth official will be Daniel Siebert, also from Germany, ensuring an all-German on-field officiating team. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties will be handled by Bastian Dankert, with Christian Dingert and Marco Fritz providing support as Assistant VAR and VAR Support, respectively. This experienced crew is tasked with maintaining order and fairness in what promises to be a tense encounter between two Premier League giants.
Manchester United, under their current management, are chasing European glory to cap a resurgent season, while Tottenham Hotspur, led by their dynamic squad, aim to secure their first major European trophy since 1984. The final pits two clubs with rich histories and passionate fanbases, making the role of the match officials all the more critical. UEFA’s choice of Zwayer, despite his controversial history, reflects confidence in his ability to handle the high-stakes environment, with his recent performances in European competitions earning him this prestigious assignment.