The highly anticipated UEFA Champions League semifinal match between Real Madrid and Manchester City is set to kick off, and the referee and match officials have been named for this crucial encounter. The match will be officiated by a team of experienced French officials, led by referee François Letexier.
Referee: François Letexier (FRA)
François Letexier, a seasoned French referee, has been appointed to oversee this high-stakes match. Letexier has been a FIFA referee since 2017 and has officiated numerous matches in both domestic and international competitions. Known for his firm yet fair approach, Letexier’s presence on the pitch is expected to ensure a well-controlled match between these two footballing giants.
Assistant Referees: Cyril Mugnier (FRA) and Mehdi Rahmouni (FRA)
Assisting Letexier on the sidelines will be two experienced French assistant referees, Cyril Mugnier and Mehdi Rahmouni. Both officials have worked alongside Letexier in previous matches and are well-versed in his officiating style. Their sharp eyes and quick decision-making will be crucial in determining close offside calls and other key decisions throughout the match.
Fourth Official: Pierre Gaillouste (FRA)
The fourth official for this encounter will be another French referee, Pierre Gaillouste. Gaillouste’s role will be to manage substitutions, keep track of added time, and assist the referee with any other administrative duties during the match.
VAR and AVAR: Jerôme Brisard (FRA) and Willy Delajod (FRA)
With the increasing importance of technology in modern football, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and Assistant Video Assistant Referee (AVAR) play a vital role in ensuring fair play. For this match, Jerôme Brisard will serve as the VAR, while Willy Delajod will be the AVAR. Both officials are experienced in using the VAR system and will be on hand to review any contentious decisions or incidents that may occur during the match.
Referee Observer: Hugh Dallas (SCO)
Overseeing the performance of the referee and match officials will be Hugh Dallas, a former Scottish FIFA referee. Dallas’ role as the referee observer is to assess the officiating team’s performance and provide feedback to help improve the overall quality of refereeing in high-level competitions like the Champions League.
The appointed officials for the Real Madrid vs Manchester City match are as follows:
| Position | Name | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Referee | François Letexier | France |
| Assistant Referee 1 | Cyril Mugnier | France |
| Assistant Referee 2 | Mehdi Rahmouni | France |
| Fourth Official | Pierre Gaillouste | France |
| VAR | Jerôme Brisard | France |
| AVAR | Willy Delajod | France |
| Referee Observer | Hugh Dallas | Scotland |
With such an experienced and capable officiating team, fans can expect a well-managed match between Real Madrid and Manchester City. The French officials’ expertise, combined with the use of VAR technology, should ensure that the match is played in a fair and sporting manner, allowing the players’ skills and tactical prowess to determine the outcome of this thrilling Champions League encounter.