Felix Zwayer, the referee appointed for England’s semifinal against the Netherlands at Euro 2024, has a controversial history linked to a match-fixing scandal in Germany.
Zwayer will officiate his fourth match at the tournament, his second involving the Netherlands after overseeing their 3-0 victory against Romania in the round of 16. UEFA and the German soccer federation confirmed the appointment on Monday.
In 2006, Zwayer, then a young assistant referee, received a six-month ban over allegations of receiving money from referee Robert Hoyzer, who was banned for match-fixing. According to a 2014 report by German newspaper Die Zeit, Zwayer accepted 300 euros ($325) from Hoyzer before a 2004 game and failed to report it promptly. The report concluded there was no evidence of Zwayer manipulating matches, and he eventually provided crucial evidence in the case.
After overseeing Borussia Dortmund’s narrow 3-2 loss to Bayern Munich in December 2021, Zwayer faced criticism from England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who questioned the appointment. Bellingham had been fined 40,000 euros ($43,400) in 2021 while playing for Dortmund for his comments.
Responding to criticism, Zwayer denied allegations of being involved in game manipulation or receiving money to do so, stating he received threatening emails and learned of a death threat from Berlin police.
Zwayer has not officiated any Dortmund matches since the incident but will return to the same stadium for England’s clash against the Netherlands.
England defender Luke Shaw downplayed concerns over Zwayer’s appointment affecting the team, stating, “We have to respect UEFA's decision on the referee. It won’t change anything for us; we focus on the game and prepare accordingly.”
Tuesday’s semifinal between Spain and France will be officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic.
