May14 – Romania’s István Kovács will take charge of the UEFA Champions League final, while Croatia’s Ivana Martinčić will officiate the Women’s Champions League final.
The UEFA Referees Committee announced the referee appointments for all four of its major 2025 men’s and women’s club competition finals, along with the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League final.
The 40-year-old Kovács (pictured) has become one of UEFA’s most reliable officials, having already refereed the 2024 Europa League final and the 2022 Conference League final. This season, he oversaw seven Champions League matches, including the round of 16 clash between Liverpool and PSG. He will take charge of the final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan on May 31 in Munich.
Germany’s Felix Zwayer has been appointed to officiate the Europa League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, on May 21 at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao. A familiar figure at the highest level, Zwayer handled the 2023 Nations League final and this season’s Champions League semi-final between PSG and Arsenal.
Croatia’s Martinčić will referee the Women’s Champions League final between Arsenal and Barcelona on May 24 at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. An international referee since 2014, she steps into the final spotlight for the first time, having served as fourth official in last year’s decider. Martinčić is also features on the referee roster selected for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.
Bosnian official Irfan Peljto will make his UEFA final debut when he oversees the Conference League final between Chelsea and Real Betis on May 28 in Wroclaw. The 40-year-old’s impressive season includes 11 UEFA assignments, highlighted by knockout stage ties in both the Champions League and Europa League.
Rounding out the appointments, Sandro Schärer of Switzerland will referee the UEFA Nations League final on June 8 in Munich.
UEFA Referees Committee Chairman Roberto Rosetti praised the depth of talent across the officiating appointments and reaffirmed UEFA’s commitment to raising standards at all levels.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1747222071labto1747222071ofdlr1747222071owedi1747222071sni@g1747222071niwe.1747222071yrrah1747222071