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Daniel Siebert Appointed Referee for PSG vs Arsenal Champions League Final
German official to take charge of the biggest club game in football on May 30 in Budapest
The UEFA Referees Committee has officially appointed German referee Daniel Siebert to oversee the 2026 UEFA Champions League Final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC. The showpiece event takes place at the iconic Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary on Saturday, May 30, with kick-off set for 18:00 CEST.
A Career-Defining Appointment
This will be a major milestone in the 42-year-old’s career, as it marks his first UEFA club competition final. The Berliner has been an international referee since 2015, having been appointed as a DFB referee eight years earlier, and refereed his first Bundesliga match at the start of the 2012–13 season. At the time of writing, Siebert has officiated 600 professional matches, with experience in domestic cup finals in Cyprus and Saudi Arabia, and more than 200 Bundesliga appearances.
With this appointment, Siebert will become only the fifth German referee to officiate a Champions League final, joining an elite list that includes Hellmut Krug, Markus Merk, Herbert Fandel, and Felix Brych.
Familiar Faces for Arsenal
Siebert has refereed nine UEFA Champions League matches this season, including the quarter-final first leg between Sporting CP and Arsenal, and the semi-final second leg between Arsenal and Atlético de Madrid.
Arsenal have a 100% record with Siebert as referee, winning all four games in which he has officiated them. PSG, meanwhile, are unbeaten under him but were held to a goalless draw with Athletic Club during the league phase.
Controversy Surrounding the Appointment
The appointment has already generated debate in parts of Spain, following controversy surrounding Siebert’s handling of the Arsenal vs Atlético Madrid semi-final. Atlético Madrid reportedly lodged a formal complaint with UEFA after the German official declined penalty appeals during the match at the Emirates Stadium. Despite the criticism, UEFA’s appointment highlights strong confidence in Siebert’s performances throughout the European campaign.
Overlooked for the World Cup, Trusted for the Final
Despite not being picked for the 2026 World Cup in North America — with FIFA selecting his fellow German Felix Zwayer instead — Siebert has shown nine Champions League games’ worth of quality this season, with two red cards shown and just one penalty kick awarded. He did attend the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he handled two group-stage games.
The Full Officiating Team
Siebert will be supported by fellow Germans Jan Seidel and Rafael Foltyn as assistant referees. Swiss official Sandro Schärer has been appointed as fourth official, while Spain’s Guadalupe Porras Ayuso will serve as reserve assistant referee. The VAR team will be led by German official Bastian Dankert, assisted by Robert Schröder, with Spanish referee Carlos Del Cerro Grande also providing VAR support.
What’s at Stake
Arsenal chase their first European crown since 1994, while PSG continue their pursuit of a maiden Champions League title — making this one of the most eagerly anticipated finals in recent memory. All eyes will be on Budapest on May 30.