Felix Zwayer, a German referee previously suspended for six months due to involvement in match-fixing, has been appointed to officiate the Euro 2024 semifinal between the Netherlands and England. Zwayer’s selection has reignited criticism, particularly from England’s star player Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham, who plays for Borussia Dortmund, has a history with Zwayer. In 2021, after a contentious match where Dortmund lost 3-2 to Bayern Munich, Bellingham criticized Zwayer’s officiating. The young midfielder was fined €40,000 for his comments, which highlighted Zwayer’s past corruption scandal.
Zwayer’s suspension in 2005 stemmed from an investigation where he was found to have accepted a bribe from fellow referee Robert Hoyzer, who was subsequently banned for life from officiating.
The Euro 2024 semifinal featuring the Netherlands and England is scheduled for Wednesday at 21:00. The previous day, the semifinal between Spain and France will be officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic. Among the candidates to referee the Euro 2024 final are Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, Italian Daniele Orsato, and Englishman Michael Oliver.