The decision by UEFA to appoint referee Felix Zwayer for the England versus Netherlands Euro 2024 semifinal has stirred up a significant amount of controversy. Zwayer had previously admitted to match-fixing and was banned for six months in 2005 for taking a bribe during a match involving German club Wuppertaler SV and Werder Bremen Amateure. Despite this tarnished past, UEFA has decided to entrust Zwayer with officiating a crucial match in the tournament.
In a postmatch interview in 2021, Jude Bellingham publicly questioned Zwayer’s integrity after a Bundesliga game between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. Bellingham highlighted Zwayer’s past involvement in match-fixing and expressed his disapproval of the referee being given such a significant game. His comments led to a fine of €40,000, but Dortmund’s CEO, Hans-Joachim Watzke, acknowledged that Bellingham’s concerns were not unfounded.
Despite the controversy surrounding Zwayer’s appointment, England defender Luke Shaw took a diplomatic stance, stating that the team respects UEFA’s decision regarding the selection of referees. Shaw emphasized the importance of focusing on the game itself rather than external factors like the officials. He also mentioned that in his experience, he had never felt that referees were biased against his team, even in high-pressure situations.
Interestingly, the Football Association (FA) chose not to comment on Zwayer’s appointment when approached by ESPN for a statement. This lack of response from the governing body raises questions about their stance on the matter and their willingness to address concerns raised by players and fans alike.
The controversy surrounding Felix Zwayer’s appointment as the referee for the Euro 2024 semifinal between England and the Netherlands highlights the ongoing challenges faced in ensuring the integrity of football matches. While players like Jude Bellingham have been vocal about their reservations regarding Zwayer’s past, others, like Luke Shaw, have chosen to focus on the game itself. Ultimately, the outcome of the match will be determined by the players’ performance on the field, but the specter of past controversies looms large over the refereeing decisions.
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