UEFA customarily announces the referee for the Champions League Final around ten days before kick off once the Referees Committee has assessed form and fitness across domestic and European assignments. The appointment process considers neutrality, recent performance scores and the official’s ability to communicate fluently with both teams.

Polish referee Szymon Marciniak leads the speculative shortlist after handling last year’s final with minimal controversy and adding two knockout matches this term without significant VAR overturns. Slovenia’s Slavko Vinčić and Romania’s István Kovács also receive strong backing, each boasting experience in Europa League or Conference League showpieces.

The chosen official will arrive in Munich forty eight hours before the game with assistant referees, a fourth official and two video assistant referees who operate from the remote broadcast facility in Nyon. They undertake a mandatory fitness session at Bayern’s Sabener Strasse complex and a technical briefing on specific team tendencies identified by analysts.

UEFA avoids naming referees whose national teams could influence perceptions of bias, hence no French or Italian candidates stand a realistic chance. Likewise officials with recent disciplinary controversies are sidelined to preserve the final’s credibility.

Confirmation traditionally appears on UEFA.com and across official social channels, sparking immediate debate among pundits regarding temperament for high pressure scenarios. Regardless of the eventual name, the referee team know their every gesture will be scrutinised by cameras and millions of viewers worldwide.