Aston Villa aims to stage a comeback against Olympiacos in the Europa Conference League semi-final second-leg, seeking to overturn a 4-2 deficit and secure a spot in the final.
In the upcoming Europa Conference League semi-final second-leg clash between Aston Villa and Olympiacos, referee Felix Zwayer has sparked controversy due to his involvement in a match-fixing scandal during his earlier career. Despite serving a six-month ban for his association with Bundesliga referee Robert Hoyzer, Zwayer has been confirmed as the official for Thursday’s crucial game as Villa seeks to overturn a 4-2 deficit and secure a spot in their first major European final in 42 years.
While Zwayer is categorized as a UEFA “elite category” referee, his past has not been without controversy. In 2005, he faced suspension over a match-fixing offense related to the scandal involving Robert Hoyzer. This incident resurfaced in 2021 during a match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, where Zwayer’s decisions drew heavy criticism, particularly from Dortmund players and fans. Despite being punished for assisting Hoyzer and accepting a bribe rather than direct match-fixing, Zwayer’s appointment for high-profile matches has been met with skepticism.
Jude Bellingham, a midfielder for Dortmund at the time, openly criticized Zwayer’s selection for significant matches, questioning the decision given his past. Former Dortmund forward Erling Haaland echoed Bellingham’s sentiments, labeling Zwayer’s performance as subpar and highlighting his perceived arrogance. The controversy surrounding Zwayer escalated further when he incurred the ire of West Ham boss David Moyes during a Europa League quarter-final tie against Lyon, resulting in a heated confrontation on the sidelines.
Despite the scrutiny surrounding Zwayer, he has continued to officiate high-profile matches, including the Nations League final and games involving Arsenal and Brighton in Europe. As Villa prepares for their crucial clash against Olympiacos, the potential return of goalkeeper Emi Martinez could provide a boost to the team, with Robin Olsen expected to deputize following his impressive performance against Brighton in Martinez’s absence.