God. Of all the officials they could've picked for this massive Champions League clash, UEFA's gone with the one who once took a bribe. That's just... perfect.
Arsenal fans are probably googling "Felix Zwayer match fixing" right about now as they prepare for Wednesday's crucial semi-final second leg in Paris. The Gunners need to overturn that frustrating 1-0 deficit from the first leg, and now they've got this controversial German in the middle. Because why make things easy?
The Ref with the Sketchy Past
Felix Zwayer is a Berlin-based referee who's been around the block. Born back in '81, he officiates for SC Charlottenburg and has worked his way up to UEFA elite category status. Impressive on paper.
But there's always that "but," isn't there?
In 2005, Zwayer got himself tangled in a proper mess. He accepted a €300 bribe from another ref named Robert Hoyzer, who was neck-deep in a bigger match-fixing scandal sweeping through German football at teh time. The German FA responded by slapping Zwayer with a six-month ban.
I remember watching a documentary about this whole saga last year. The German football authorities tried to keep it quiet initially - typical bureaucratic nonsense - but eventually the story exploded. Poor Hoyzer became the face of the scandal while Zwayer somehow managed to rebuild his career.
When Jude Lost His Cool
The most dramatic chapter in Zwayer's controversial story came in December 2021. After a heated Bayern-Dortmund match where Zwayer denied Dortmund a penalty but gave one to Bayern for a questionable handball, Jude Bellingham absolutely lost it in the post-match interview.
"You give a referee, that has match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany, what do you expect?" Bellingham fumed to ViaPlay.
Ouch. The German FA weren't having it and fined Bellingham nearly £34K for those comments. Zwayer was so rattled he took a break from refereeing before returning in February 2022.
My colleague who covers the Bundesliga texted me when this appointment was announced: "Arsenal fans should be nervous. This guy's decisions always seem to favor the bigger team." Not exactly reassuring for Gunners supporters, is it?
But Can He Actually Referee?
Setting aside the controversy (which is admittedly hard to do), Zwayer has handled some massive games. He's been involved in World Cup qualifiers, Euros qualifiers, and plenty of Champions League and Europa League matches.
He's refereed 36 Champions League games total, most recently Barcelona's narrow 1-0 win over Benfica back in March. The last time he officiated an English side was Liverpool's 2-1 win against Lille, where he sent off Lille's Aissa Mandi.
I watched that game with my Liverpool-supporting brother-in-law who spent the entire 90 minutes shouting at the TV about Zwayer's positioning. "He's always in the way!" became his refrain for the evening. To be fair, he says that about every referee.
What's he like with technology?
The semi-automated offside tech that denied Mikel Merino an equalizer in the first leg isn't something Zwayer uses regularly in Germany. The Bundesliga is only introducing it next season, though Zwayer has been involved in trials.
Germany was actually one of the first European leagues to embrace VAR back in 2017, so Zwayer has plenty of experience with video technology. Whether that's good or bad news probably depends on which end of his decisions you find yourself.
I spent $120 on a ticket to a Bundesliga game in 2019 where Zwayer spent what felt like half the match with his finger in his ear listening to VAR. The beer was good though.
The Man Behind the Whistle
When he's not making controversial decisions on the pitch, Zwayer works as a real estate manager. He co-owns a company with three partners.
Makes you wonder if he ever uses his referee voice during property negotiations... "That's a RED CARD offer! Back to market with you!"
Arsenal will be desperately hoping the only property-related activity on Wednesday will be them staking a claim for a spot in the Champions League final. But with Zwayer's complicated history and the pressure of a European semi-final, you can bet Arteta's technical area antics might reach new heights if decisions start going against them.
Let's just hope the match is decided by the players, not the man with the whistle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can one become an expert football goalkeeper?
To become a skilled goalkeeper, you need to focus on agility, reflexes and positioning. Goalkeepers need to be adept at stopping shots, controlling the penalty box through punching and catching, and also distributing with both their feet and hands. Goalkeeping is also a combination of mental resilience, making decisions under pressure, and communicating effectively with the defense. Consistent practice, constructive feedback from coaches, and analyzing performances to identify areas for improvement are essential in mastering the art of goalkeeping.
How can I improve my technique in football?
Improving your football technique requires consistent practice and a focus on fundamentals. The importance of regularly performing drills to improve ball control and accuracy in passing and shooting is paramount. Your technique will be greatly improved by spending time on your weaker leg and working to improve your balance and coordination. Additionally, watching professional footballers in action and analyzing the way they move, position themselves, and make decisions can give you valuable insights and improve your skills.
What are the essential skills needed to play great football?
To be a good football player, you need to develop technical, tactical and physical skills. Technical skills are ball control, dribbling passing and shooting. Tactical skills include understanding the game in terms of positioning, movements, and decisions. Speed, endurance and power are important physical attributes for performance. Mental toughness, focus and the ability of remaining calm under pressure is crucial for maintaining performance during a match.
How important is teamwork in football and how can it be fostered?
The success of a football team depends on all the players working together. The development of a clear understanding of team strategies and the roles played by each team member can help to foster this type. The importance of communication on and off the playing field, as well as trust between teammates, cannot be overstated. Team bonding activities and collective goal-setting can strengthen the sense of unity and commitment to the team's objectives. Respectful and supportive behavior can also foster teamwork by creating a positive culture.
What role plays a coach in a successful football team?
A coach's key role in a team's football success is the development of training programmes, tactical planning, as well as player management. In addition to creating training programs, a coach must also devise strategic game strategies and motivate players to give their best. The coach also makes crucial decisions on player selection and placement, and manages the dynamics of the team in order to maintain an environment that is positive and focused. It is often their leadership that guides teams to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Statistics
- Studying match footage for at least 4 hours a week can lead to a 10% improvement in a player's tactical awareness on the field.
- Coaches who engage in continuous professional development contribute to a 40% better win ratio for their teams.
- A consistent mental focus regimen, including visualization techniques, can enhance player concentration levels by up to 20% during matches.
- Players who train for more than 10 hours a week show a 20% improvement in technique compared to those who train for less time.
- Youth players who participate in football education programs have a 35% higher chance of being scouted by professional clubs.
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How To
You can improve your football passing by following these tips
Perfecting your passing starts with mastering various techniques, such as the push pass, driven pass, and lofted pass. Each technique should be practiced with both feet in order to develop a versatile player. To mimic match situations, practice passing drills with targets that move and distances that vary. Instead of focusing on power, you should focus more on precision and accuracy. Passing exercises should be incorporated into each training session. Study the passing styles of professional footballers to learn about their creativity and timing.
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