The Euro 2024 semifinal between England and the Netherlands in Dortmund will feature a familiar face in the referee’s role – Felix Zwayer. This appointment adds an intriguing layer to the match as Zwayer has a history with England midfielder Jude Bellingham, stemming from a controversial incident in 2021.
Back then, while Bellingham was playing for Borussia Dortmund, he received a hefty fine for criticizing Zwayer following a contentious match against Bayern Munich. Dortmund felt aggrieved by several decisions, including a denied penalty, ultimately losing 3-2 to their rivals. Bellingham’s frustration boiled over, leading him to question Zwayer’s appointment for such a high-stakes game, referencing a past scandal that Zwayer would prefer to leave behind.
In 2005, a match-fixing scandal rocked German football, with referee Robert Hoyzer being sentenced to prison. Zwayer, who had reported his suspicions about Hoyzer’s actions, was also implicated and received a six-month ban for accepting a bribe to make incorrect decisions during a game. Although Zwayer has since been rehabilitated and refereed the 2023 Nations League final, Bellingham’s previous comments cast a shadow over this upcoming match.
UEFA has declined to comment on the decision to appoint Zwayer for this crucial match. With the history between Bellingham and the referee, the England-Netherlands semifinal is sure to be a tense affair, with every decision under intense scrutiny.
