Eurokinissi Sports
UEFA Announces Match Officials for Panathinaikos and PAOK Europa League Second Leg Fixtures Against Samsunspor and Rijeka on August 28
On Monday, August 25, UEFA revealed the elite referees appointed to oversee the crucial Europa League second-leg matches involving Greek clubs Panathinaikos and PAOK. Panathinaikos, holding a 2-1 advantage from the first leg against Samsunspor, will face their Turkish opponents on Thursday, August 28. Meanwhile, PAOK will attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit from their initial encounter with Rijeka on the same day.
Refereeing Team for Panathinaikos vs. Samsunspor
The Bosnian referee Irfan Peljto has been selected to officiate the Panathinaikos clash in Turkey. Peljto, who has previously managed high-profile matches including Panathinaikos’ 2-1 victory over PAOK in 2022, brings extensive experience to this fixture. Assisting him will be Senad Ibrisevic and Davor Belto, with Milos Gigovic serving as the fourth official. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties will be handled by Dutch official Pol van Boekel, known for his precise decision-making in European competitions.
Officials Assigned to PAOK vs. Rijeka
For the PAOK encounter against Rijeka, Spanish referee José María Sánchez has been appointed. He will be supported by assistant referees Raúl Cabanero and Iñigo Prieto. The fourth official role is assigned to Juan Martínez Munuera, while Carlos del Cerro Grande will oversee VAR operations. This experienced Spanish team is tasked with ensuring fair play and accurate officiating in a match that could determine PAOK’s progression in the tournament.
Significance of Referee Appointments in European Competitions
UEFA’s selection of referees for these fixtures underscores the importance of impartial and skilled officiating in high-stakes European matches. With over 200 million viewers tuning into Europa League games annually, the pressure on referees to maintain fairness and control is immense. The chosen officials have a track record of managing intense matches, which is crucial given the competitive nature of these knockout ties.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
Both Panathinaikos and PAOK face challenging second legs that will test their tactical discipline and resilience. The referees’ decisions could play a pivotal role in the outcome, especially with VAR technology in place to review contentious moments. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these Greek teams strive to advance further in the 2025 Europa League season.