German referee Daniel Siebert has been appointed to take charge of the Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, set for May 30 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest. The decision has stirred debate in Spain, particularly within Atlético Madrid’s camp.
Siebert was the official for the semi-final second leg between Arsenal and Atlético at the Emirates Stadium, where Mikel Arteta’s side secured a narrow victory. That match left a bitter taste for the Rojiblancos, who felt aggrieved by several controversial calls. Among them were a potential penalty on Antoine Griezmann and another incident involving Giuliano Simeone, both of which the German referee waved off despite persistent protests from Diego Simeone’s players.
The frustration from that night in London was palpable. Atlético believed Siebert’s decisions influenced the tie’s outcome. Yet, rather than hindering his future, UEFA has rewarded him with the most prestigious assignment in European club football.
This will be Siebert’s first continental club final. An international referee since 2015, he is now one of Europe’s most respected officials. This season alone he has overseen nine Champions League matches, including Sporting versus Arsenal in the quarter-finals and Tottenham against Atlético in the round of 16.
The officiating team also features Spanish representation. Carlos del Cerro Grande will serve as assistant VAR, while Guadalupe Porras acts as reserve referee. The main VAR will be fellow German Bastian Dankert.
Maurizio Mariani will referee the Conference League final between Rayo Vallecano and Crystal Palace on May 27 in Leipzig. The Italian, born in Rome and an international since 2019, is also taking charge of his first UEFA final. This season he has handled high-profile matches including Liverpool versus PSG in the Champions League and Real Madrid against Manchester City in the round of 16.
For Rayo Vallecano, it is a historic occasion. The strip-clad club seeks its first ever continental trophy against a Crystal Palace side enjoying its own landmark moment.
UEFA has also confirmed other appointments. French official François Letexier will referee the Europa League final between Aston Villa and Freiburg, with Alejandro Hernández Hernández as fourth official. Meanwhile, Sweden’s Tess Olofsson will take charge of the Women’s Champions League final between Barcelona and Olympique Lyon in Oslo.
