Champions League final referee confirmed as Arsenal get familiar face

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The officiating team for the Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain has been confirmed, with the Gunners set to face a familiar figure in the middle.

German referee Daniel Siebert will take charge of European club football’s biggest fixture on May 30 in Budapest, where Mikel Arteta’s side will attempt to claim their first-ever European crown against the holders PSG.

Arsenal supporters will recognize Siebert from recent European campaigns. The German official was in charge for the Gunners’ semi-final second-leg victory over Atletico Madrid, where Arsenal secured a 1-0 win through Bukayo Saka’s first-half strike to reach their second-ever Champions League final.

That match wasn’t without controversy, as Atletico Madrid were left furious when Siebert waved away their appeals for a second-half penalty following Riccardo Calafiori’s challenge on Antoine Griezmann. “I won’t focus on something simple like the Griezmann incident,” Atletico boss Diego Simeone said after the match. “It’s obvious, it was a foul.”

Siebert also officiated Arsenal’s quarter-final first-leg clash against Sporting in Lisbon earlier this season, enjoying a relatively stress-free evening as the north London side claimed a 1-0 victory. The German handed out just one yellow card with minimal controversy throughout the 90 minutes.

Perfect record continues

The appointment could be viewed as a positive omen for Arsenal, as they boast a perfect record under Siebert’s officiating. The Gunners have won all four matches where the German has taken charge, including victories over Dinamo Zagreb last season and Olympiacos in the Europa League back in 2021.

PSG also hold an impressive record with Siebert in the middle, remaining unbeaten across four Champions League fixtures under his watch with three wins and one draw.

Siebert will be supported by fellow Germans Jan Seidel and Rafael Foltyn as his assistants, while Swiss official Sandro Scharer will serve as the fourth official. The VAR duties will be handled by German duo Bastian Dankert and Robert Schroder.

Arsenal’s journey to Budapest marks just their second appearance in a Champions League final, following their defeat to Barcelona in Paris two decades ago. This time, the Gunners have the opportunity to make history by claiming European football’s most prestigious prize for the first time in the club’s illustrious history.