The UEFA’s decision to appoint Felix Zwayer as the referee for the England vs Netherlands Euro 2024 semifinal has sparked significant controversy. The match, scheduled to take place at 2:00 AM on July 7th (Vietnam time), will see the Three Lions face off against the Dutch in what promises to be an intense showdown.

Felix Zwayer, a German referee, will officiate the match despite his past involvement in a match-fixing scandal and previous conflicts with England’s midfielder, Jude Bellingham. Zwayer was banned from football-related activities for six months in 2005 due to his involvement in a significant corruption scandal.

Zwayer was implicated when he accepted a bribe of £253 (300 Euros) from referee Robert Hoyzer to manipulate the outcome of a second-division match. At the time, Zwayer was one of four individuals who reported Hoyzer’s actions to the German Football Association.

The subsequent investigation revealed that Hoyzer had received money from an illegal organization linked to a criminal syndicate to fix several matches. As a result, Hoyzer was banned from football for life and sentenced to two years and five months in prison.

The decision to appoint Zwayer for such a high-stakes match raises questions about UEFA’s commitment to integrity in football. Fans and critics alike are concerned that his history could influence his ability to officiate the game impartially.

As England and the Netherlands prepare for their crucial semifinal clash, all eyes will be on Zwayer’s performance. His past actions and the controversies surrounding him will undoubtedly add an extra layer of tension to an already highly anticipated match.