Euro 2024 referees: Find out who will be officiating the UEFA European Football Championship

Euro 2024 referees: Find out who will be officiating the UEFA European Football Championship

Kenneth Mwenda
June 12, 2024 at 6:29 PM
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Soccer enthusiasts cannot wait for another thrilling extravaganza of the European Championship as Germany prepares to host the tournament from 14 June to 14 July 2024. Many discussions and questions have surfaced, including those about the Euro 2024 referees and who will referee which game.

Referees Clement Turpin, Felix Zwayer and Sandro Schärer
From left: Referees Clement Turpin, Felix Zwayer and Sandro Schärer during their respective matches. Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz, Giuseppe Maffia, Alexander Hassenstein (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

The UEFA Referees' Committee has unveiled the 18 referees, their assistants, and the video match officials and support match officials for the event, who will oversee 51 matches. This article reveals the Euro 2024 referees, including their profiles, as featured by UEFA and Four Four Two.

A list of all EURO 2024 referees

Although the spotlight is on the star players gearing up for Euro 2024 in Germany, the referees are equally crucial because of the tasks awaiting them. UEFA selected match officials who performed consistently to the highest standards in European tournaments. Who are these UEFA EURO 2024 referees?

Referee

Country

Age during Euro 2024

Artur Soares Dias

Portugal

44

Jesús Gil Manzano

Spain

40

Marco Guida

Italy

43

Istvan Kovacs

Romania

39

Ivan Kruzliak

Slovakia

40

François Letexier

France

35

Danny Makkelie

Netherlands

41

Szymon Marciniak

Poland

43

Halil Umut Meler

Türkiye

37

Glenn Nyberg

Sweden

35

Michael Oliver

England

39

Daniele Orsato

Italy

48

Sandro Schärer

Switzerland

36

Daniel Siebert

Germany

40

Anthony Taylor

England

45

Clément Turpin

France

42

Slavko Vinčić

Slovenia

44

Felix Zwayer

Germany

43

18. Artur Soares Dias

Artur Soares Dias at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon
Referee Artur Soares Dias during the Liga Portugal match between Sporting CP and SL Benfica at Estádio José Alvalade on April 6, 2024, in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo: Pedro Loureiro
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Artur Manuel Ribeiro Soares Dias
  • Born: 14 July, 1979
  • Birthplace: Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
  • FIFA listed since: 2010

Artur began as an additional assistant referee in several UEFA Champions Leagues. He officiated at the 2012–13 UEFA Europa League and the Under-21 Championship play-off between Italy and Sweden.

He officiated the U20 World Cup quarter-final between the USA and Serbia in 2015 and the U17 Euro semi-final in Serbia in 2011. On 13 May 2024, UEFA selected him to referee the Europa Conference League final between Olympiacos and Fiorentina.

17. Jesús Gil Manzano

Jesus Gil Manzano in Bergamo, Italy.
Jesus Gil Manzano during the UEFA Europa League match between Atalanta BC and Olympique de Marseille at Stadio di Bergamo on May 09, 2024, in Bergamo, Italy. Photo: Jonathan Moscrop
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Jesús Gil Manzano
  • Born: 4 February 1984
  • Birthplace: Don Benito, Spain
  • FIFA listed since: 2014

Gil Manzano is one of Europe's most experienced football referees. He made his La Liga debut in 2012. Manzano is known for his strict adherence to the rules and has had notable controversies.

Some include awarding Real Madrid a disputed penalty in 2017 and disallowing a late Jude Bellingham goal in 2024. The Spaniard has also officiated in World Cup qualifiers and Champions League matches.

16. Marco Guida

Marco Guida in Bergamo, Italy.
Marco Guida during the Serie A TIM match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma at Gewiss Stadium on May 12, 2024, in Bergamo, Italy. Photo: Image Photo Agency
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Marco Guida
  • Born: 7 June 1981
  • Birthplace: Pompei, Italy
  • FIFA listed since: 2014

The Italian has been officiating in Serie A since 2010. He became a FIFA official in 2014 and has averaged 4.41 yellow cards per game throughout his career.

Guida will referee in his first major international tournament at Euro 2024. He has officiated five Champions League matches, including a 2024 quarter-final between Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

15. Istvan Kovacs

Istvan Kovacs in Barcelona, Spain
Istvan Kovacs during the match between FC Barcelona and PSG of the UEFA Champions League at the Olympic Stadium Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain, on April 16 2024. Photo: Joan Valls
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: István Kovács
  • Born: 16 September 1984
  • Birthplace: Carei, Romania
  • FIFA listed since: 2014

From a young age, Kovacs turned to refereeing and became a professional referee in Romania ahead of the 2007/08 season. He quickly rose through the ranks, officiating in the Europa League within three years and becoming a regular fixture in top-level European football.

Kovacs recently made headlines during the 2023/24 Champions League when he red-carded Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo early in their game against Paris Saint-Germain and sent off ex-Barcelona coach Xavi.

14. Ivan Kruzliak

Ivan Kruzliak in Madrid, Spain
Ivan Kruzliak during a UEFA Champions League match between Atletico de Madrid and Celtic at the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium on November 07, 2023, in Madrid, Spain. Photo: Craig Foy
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Ivan Kružliak
  • Born: 24 March 1984
  • Birthplace: Bratislava, Slovakia
  • FIFA listed since: 2011

Bratislava began his refereeing career in 2005 but became a FIFA official in 2011. His debut match in the Slovak top tier was on 15 August 2009, between Spartak Trnava and MFK Košice, during which he issued five yellow cards.

The Slovakian averages 4.75 yellow cards, 0.27 red cards, and 0.2 penalties per match. In 2017, Bratislava officiated a chaotic Europa League match between Everton and Hajduk Split, leading players off the field due to violent fan behaviour, as reported by the Mirror.

13. François Letexier

Francois Letexier in Bergamo, Italy
Francois Letexier during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 match between Atalanta and Liverpool FC at Stadio di Bergamo on April 18, 2024, in Bergamo, Italy. Photo: Jonathan Moscrop
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: François Letexier
  • Born: 24 April 1989
  • Birthplace: Bédée, France
  • FIFA listed since: 2017

François made his Ligue 1 debut in 2016 and officiated his first senior international match in 2018. He has also officiated in the Champions League, including semi-final clashes.

12. Danny Makkelie

Danny Makkelie in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Danny Makkelie during the match between Excelsior Rotterdam and NAC Breda at the Van Donge & De Roo Stadium on June 2, 2024, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Photo: ANP
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Danny Desmond Makkelie
  • Born: 28 January 1983
  • Birthplace: Willemstad, Curaçao
  • FIFA listed since: 2011

Makkelie began his refereeing career in 2005 but earned his FIFA credentials in 2011. He has since officiated numerous high-profile games, including 47 Champions League matches, Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. His tenure as a police inspector has likely contributed to his authoritative presence on the field.

11. Szymon Marciniak

Szymon Marciniak in Madrid, Spain.
Szymon Marciniak during the UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and FC Bayern München at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 08, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. Photo: Chris Brunskill
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Szymon Marciniak
  • Born: 7 January 1981
  • Birthplace: Płock, Poland
  • FIFA listed since: 2011

Szymon Marciniak is one of the most experienced referees in world football. His journey into refereeing began after a career as an amateur footballer and a brief stint in cycling. Marciniak became a FIFA-listed referee in 2011.

He officiated at the UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup, including notable matches like Argentina vs. Iceland and Germany vs. Sweden. Marciniak was also a familiar figure at the 2022 World Cup, where he refereed the final between Argentina and France.

10. Halil Umut Meler

Halil Umut Meler in Milan, Italy.
Halil Umut Meler during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 match between AC Milan and Slavia Praha at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 7, 2024, in Milan, Italy. Photo: Stefano Guidi
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Halil Umut Meler
  • Born: 1 August 1986
  • Birthplace: Selçuk, Türkiye
  • FIFA listed since: 2017

Halil Meler is a famous football referee with vast experience in high-level games. The Turkish faced a harrowing incident in December 2023 following an attack by Faruk Koca, the president of Ankaragucu, after a match.

The Guardian reported that Meler got hospitalised after sustaining injuries from the assault. Despite the threats, he has continued to administer his duties. Meler officiated 171 matches for the Turkish League and refereed 49 games for major European tournaments.

9. Glenn Nyberg

Glenn Nyberg in Dortmund, Germany.
Glenn Nyberg during the UEFA Champions League match between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain at Signal Iduna Park on December 13, 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. Photo: Alex Gottschalk
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Glenn Nyberg
  • Born: 12 October 1988
  • Birthplace: Säter, Sweden
  • FIFA listed since: 2016

Glenn Nyberg has an impressive career. He has officiated in the Swedish league Allsvenskan since 2013. Following in his father's footsteps, who was also a referee, Nyberg has officiated at major tournaments like the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup and various UEFA competitions.

8. Michael Oliver

Michael Oliver in London, England.
Michael Oliver during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 28, 2024, in London, England. Photo: Justin Setterfield
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Michael Oliver
  • Born: 20 February 1985
  • Birthplace: Ashington, Northumberland, United Kingdom
  • FIFA listed since: 2012

With over 370 Premier League matches, Oliver is one of the league's most experienced referees. He began his refereeing journey at just 14, mentored by his father.

In 2007, Michael Oliver became the youngest referee at Wembley Stadium, the youngest Football League referee, and the youngest fourth official of the Premier League. He has officiated at major tournaments, such as Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, and over 50 Champions League and Europa League matches.

7. Daniele Orsato

Orsato at Parc des Princes on May 07, 2024, in Paris
Orsato gestures during the UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund at Parc des Princes on May 07, 2024, in Paris, France. Photo: Valerio Pennicino
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Daniele Orsato
  • Born: 23 November 1975
  • Birthplace: Montecchio Maggiore, Italy
  • FIFA listed since: 2010

Daniele Orsato, a highly respected Italian referee, recently concluded his illustrious career with an emotional farewell from fans during his final Serie A match. He received a standing ovation and officiated his last Champions League game before retirement.

Orsato's extraordinary career saw him take charge of big tournaments such as the 2018 World Cup, Euro 2020, and the 2022 World Cup. He had already officiated plenty of international friendlies and World Cup qualifiers. The Italian revealed that he will retire from refereeing after EURO 2024.

6. Sandro Schärer

Sandro Schärer in Munich, Germany
Sandro Schärer during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Lokomotiv Moskva at Allianz Arena on December 09, 2020, in Munich, Germany. Photo: Alexander Hassenstein
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Sandro Schärer
  • Born: 5 June 1988
  • Birthplace: Schübelbach, Switzerland
  • FIFA listed since: 2015

One of the most prominent names in football officiating is Sandro Schärer. The Swiss referee began his career as an amateur in 2005 and has progressed over the years. By 2011, at just 24 years old, he was officiating games in the Challenge League, Switzerland's second-tier league. His prowess led to his Super League debut in 2013.

Schärer's international debut came in 2015, and he has since become a regular in UEFA competitions, including the Champions League and Europa League. Schärer also got promoted to the UEFA Elite Referee category in 2021.

5. Daniel Siebert

Daniel Siebert in Leverkusen, Germany.
Daniel Siebert during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfL Wolfsburg at BayArena on March 10, 2024, in Leverkusen, Germany. Photo: Jürgen Fromme
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Daniel Siebert
  • Born: 4 May 1984
  • Birthplace: Berlin, Germany
  • FIFA listed since: 2015

Daniel Siebert is a German FIFA referee ranked among UEFA's elite category referees. Since 1998, Siebert has officiated matches, becoming a DFB referee in 2007 and making his Bundesliga debut in 2012.

Siebert became the youngest of the ten German FIFA referees in 2015. He has since officiated in various international competitions, including the 2020 European Championship and the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup final between Tunisia and Algeria.

4. Anthony Taylor

Anthony Taylor in Leverkusen, Germany.
Anthony Taylor during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Qarabag FK at BayArena on March 14, 2024, in Leverkusen, Germany. Photo: Alex Grimm
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Anthony Taylor
  • Born: 20 October 1978
  • Birthplace: Wythenshawe, United Kingdom
  • FIFA listed since: 2013

Anthony Taylor is an immensely respected English professional football referee. His career milestones include being a Select Group Referee in the Premier League since 2010.

Taylor has been responsible for important matches like the Football League and FA Cup finals. His love for the game and his composed nature while making quick judgments on the pitch have endeared him to many as one of the most respected officials.

3. Clément Turpin

Clement Turpin in Wroclaw, Poland.
Clement Turpin of France during the UEFA EURO 2024 Play-Offs match between Ukraine and Iceland at Tarczynski Arena on March 26, 2024, in Wroclaw, Poland. Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Clément Turpin
  • Born: 16 May 1982
  • Birthplace: Oullins, Oullins-Pierre-Bénite, France
  • FIFA listed since: 2010

Clément Turpin is a highly respected French football referee. He was enlisted on the FIFA list of referees in 2010 and has been a UEFA Elite Referees group member since 2012.

Turpin's career highlights include handling the 2016 UEFA Euro in France, the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and the 2021 UEFA Europa League Final, which pitted Villarreal against Manchester United.

2. Slavko Vinčić

Slavko Vincic at Wembley Stadium in London
Slavko Vincic during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 final match between Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid CF at Wembley Stadium on June 01, 2024, in London, England. Photo: Chris Brunskill
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Slovenia
  • Born: 25 November 1979
  • Birthplace: Maribor, Slovenia
  • FIFA listed since: 2010

Vincic has regularly officiated in prestigious tournaments like the Champions League and the Europa League. He was included in the Slovenian officiating team as an unused additional assistant in Euro 2012 and officiated in Euro 2020.

The Slovenian has officiated in two UEFA finals, including the 2022 Europa League final and the 2024 Champions League final. Vincic's experience and track record make him a crucial figure to watch in the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament.

1. Felix Zwayer

Felix Zwayer in Rome, Italy
Felix Zwayer during the UEFA Champions League match between SSC Napoli v FC Barcelona at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 21, 2024, in Rome, Italy. Photo: Giuseppe Maffia
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Felix Zwayer
  • Born: 19 May 1981
  • Birthplace: Berlin, Germany
  • FIFA listed since: 2012

Felix Zwayer has garnered recognition as a FIFA and UEFA elite category referee. Beginning his officiating career in 2004, Zwayer was appointed to Bundesliga 2 in 2007 and the Bundesliga in 2009–10.

However, his career was marred by his alleged involvement in the 2005 match-fixing scandal, leading to his six-month ban. Despite this setback, Zwayer returned to officiating, eventually being selected as a video assistant referee for Russia's 2018 FIFA World Cup. He also officiated high-profile matches, including the 2023 UEFA Nations League Final between Croatia and Spain.

Trivia

UEFA has reportedly introduced a new rule preventing players from surrounding the referee beside the captain. The rule could see players get booked for breaching. If a nation's captain is their goalkeeper, they can be nominated to approach refs. Here are more facts about Euro 2024 referees.

Which country is hosting UEFA Euro 2024?

Germany will host the 2024 edition of the European Championship.

How many referees have been selected to officiate UEFA Euro 2024 matches?

UEFA has selected 18 experienced referees to oversee 51 games in the Euro 2024.

The two have close resemblance but are not related. Turpin is a French national, while Arsenal's Leandro Trossard is a Belgian forward.

Which referee will be retiring after Euro 2024?

Italy's Daniele Orsato announced his decision to retire after the Euro 2024. He ended his Serie A tenure in the 2023-24 season.

Final word

UEFA had careful considerations when selecting Euro 2024 referees. These individuals' knowledge and experience will be essential when dealing with this prestigious tournament's high-stakes and intense games.

READ ALSO: Ranking the top 15 best football referees of all time in the world

Sports Brief published an article about the 15 best football referees. Every game must have a referee who interprets and enforces the sport's laws during matches. The best football referees have integrity, good judgment, communication skills, and courage. Click the above link to read more!

Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.