Referee Felix Zwayer is in the spotlight ahead of England’s Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands tonight.
Zwayer began officiating 20 years ago and back in 2005 he was banned for six months after accepting a €300 bribe.
German newspaper Die Zeit exposed Zwayer’s role in the match-fixing scandal during an investigation, but in the years since has rebuilt his career, and reputation, and on Wednesday night will take charge of his fourth game of Euro 2024.
It will see Zwayer reunited with England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who accused him of being corrupt three years ago - and subsequently fined - when playing for Borussia Dortmund.
Speaking to broadcaster Viaplay after a loss to Bayern Munich, Bellingham said: “You give a referee, that has match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany. What do you expect?”
Who is Felix Zwayer?
Born in Berlin, Zwayer revealed during an interview with UEFA last year how he always wanted to be a referee.
“I was a player, and I attended an indoor football tournament,” he said. “I was immediately fascinated by the two guys who were in charge of matches. I went straight home and told my parents that I wanted to be a referee.”
Zwayer swiftly joined his local federation, who accepted his request to start before the required age of 14.
He rose through the amateur and semi-professional ranks, eventually officiating games in the Bundesliga from 2009 onwards.
By 2012, he was refereeing on the international stage and has been trusted with big games - such as the Nations League final between Spain and Italy last year.
Zwayer is considered one of UEFA’s top referees and was among the 18 picked to take charge of games at Euro 2024.
His preparation for matches involves listening to music in the dressing room and heading to the stadium the day before a game.
“I actually love to go to the stadium for the pre-match training session,” Zwayer told UEFA.
“You get used to the venue and its environment, the people working there, the facilities. It means that as you get closer to the kick-off on the day, you’re already tuned in about what to expect.
“Then, in the dressing room, my assistants and I will prepare for the match in whatever way is best for each of us.
“I personally like to put on headphones and listen to music in the dressing room – and that’s also because my colleagues don’t particularly like the music that I like to listen to!”
Away from football, Zwayer likes to spend time with his wife and two daughters. During an interview with UEFA, he revealed he is a lover of all sports, a keen badminton player and an enthusiastic cook. He is also a big music fan and, in particular, of open-air concerts.
“They’re very similar to big football matches in many ways,” he told UEFA. “A large audience, the atmosphere building up, the anticipation of a special moment to come…and then the performance finally happens.”
