UEFA has announced the officiating crew for the 2025 UEFA Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. The match will be officiated by an experienced team led by German referee Felix Zwayer. The appointments for this high-profile final are as follows:
This crew will take charge of the match at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. All officials come from UEFA member countries, with the referee and most assistants from Germany, and support officials from Italy and Spain. Notably, this is an all-international crew, ensuring neutrality for this England vs England final.
Felix Zwayer is a veteran German referee born in 1981, a FIFA-listed official since 2012. He has considerable big-game experience. In the 2024-25 season he officiated seven UEFA Champions League matches (including a Champions League semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal), two Europa League games, and has served in UEFA competition regularly.
Zwayer has refereed major finals before: he was in charge of the UEFA Nations League final in 2023 (Croatia vs Spain) and handled the Euro 2024 semi-final (England vs Netherlands). This Europa League final will be his second UEFA club final. Zwayer is known for clear communication and confidence in big matches. Leading the crew, he will set the tone on the field for this all-English clash.
Zwayer’s assistants on the touchlines are Robert Kempter and Christian Dietz, both seasoned German officials. They will assist with offside decisions, throw-ins, and other calls along the line. Italian referee Maurizio Mariani will serve as fourth official, handling administrative tasks, substitutions, and acting as the referee’s backup on the pitch. Daniele Bindoni (ITA) is the reserve assistant, ready to step in if needed.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will be Germany’s Bastian Dankert, a trusted official who has also led major matches (he refereed the Euro 2021 semi-final, for example). His assistant, Benjamin Brand (Germany), will assist on the VAR bench. Spanish referee Carlos del Cerro Grande will act as VAR Support, helping handle replays. This VAR team ensures that any critical incidents (goals, penalties, red cards) will be reviewed according to UEFA protocols.
UEFA’s Referees Committee selects final crews with neutrality and experience in mind. An all-German refereeing team (with Italian 4th officials and Spanish VAR help) was chosen to oversee two English clubs. This setup avoids any hint of bias. Zwayer and his team are considered top-level officials, and their assignment reflects UEFA’s trust in their abilities to manage a high-stakes final.
They will have to be prepared for intense moments, as finals like this often do. But each official brings years of practice in European competitions. For instance, Zwayer’s familiarity with high-pressure games (Champions League knockouts and international finals) suggests he can handle disputes on the pitch calmly. The assistants and VAR crew also have strong resumes in big matches.
In summary, the Europa League final on May 21, 2025, will be supervised by Felix Zwayer and a top international officiating team. Their experience and professionalism will be crucial in keeping the game fair and fluid. Fans of Manchester United and Tottenham can be assured that UEFA has entrusted the match to one of its most capable referee groups.
