Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) and his team, Tottenham Hotspur, are embarking on their final challenge for their first title in the UEFA Europa League. The opponent is Manchester United. However, unexpected controversy has arisen as a variable outside the match, specifically concerning the assignment of the referee.

The 2024-2025 season UEFA Europa League final will be held on the 22nd at 4 a.m. (Korean time) at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain.

For the two teams, currently sitting in 17th (Tottenham) and 16th (Manchester United) place in the league, this final is an important match with significant rewards, extending beyond just winning a trophy, as it carries the prospect of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

What has caused anxiety among fans of both teams is the referee list announced by UEFA. The individual designated to officiate this final is Germany's Felix Zwayer, who has a history of being involved in match-fixing scandals and has faced sanctions in the past.

Referee Zwayer was suspended for six months for allegedly receiving about £250 (approximately 470,000 won) from Robert Hoyzer, the main perpetrator in a match-fixing incident in the 2005 German 2. Bundesliga. Although there was no direct participation in match manipulation, the monetary exchange itself was considered grounds for the penalty. Following a confession and reports, a series of events came to light, and upon his return, Zwayer was appointed to officiate finals in UEFA competitions, yet the controversy remains ongoing.

England's Jude Bellingham has a history of being harshly treated by Zwayer. The incident occurred in a match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich in December 2021.

After the match, Bellingham strongly criticized the referee's decision during a broadcast interview. His complaint was regarding Mats Hummels' handball and the subsequent penalty kick awarded. Bellingham stated during the post-match interview, "What do you expect by assigning a referee who manipulated the outcome to such an important match?" He pointed out that Zwayer, who officiated that match, had been suspended for six months in 2006 for involvement in match-fixing.

In response, the German Football Association concluded on the 7th that Bellingham's interview was an act that contravened 'sportsmanship.' They imposed a fine of €40,000 (around 53 million won) on Bellingham.

The €40,000 fine imposed on Bellingham is the highest amount ever levied by the DFB against an individual player. The previous record was €20,000 (approximately 26.5 million won) imposed on Kevin De Bruyne during the 2014-2015 season for insulting a ball boy from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Moreover, there are concerns that referee Zwayer has a statistical history favoring Manchester United over Tottenham. According to the UK's Daily Mail, Manchester United is undefeated in four matches officiated by Zwayer (3 wins, 1 draw), while Tottenham has 1 draw and 1 loss, with no wins.

As these records and past histories intertwine, dissatisfaction with UEFA's appointments has been raised among some fans. However, the referee assignment has already been confirmed, and changes are unlikely.

Ultimately, what Tottenham needs is to overcome doubt through strength. In matches that attract controversy, they must respond with skill and focus. As manager Ange Postecoglou said, "The final is a stage that proves how strong the team is, rather than individuals."

Leading the team, Son Heung-min expressed, "I have been waiting for this moment to fit the last puzzle for the past 10 years," revealing his desperation for victory. After recovering from injury, he has quickly elevated his condition and is now on the verge of securing the final remaining trophy.

The concerns of the fans are understandable. However, the players and the team must prove themselves through skill rather than excuses. If Tottenham wins, this victory will be more valuable than any circumstances.

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