- In a first since December 2021, Zwayer is participating in Dortmund's games.
After an absense of over two and a half years, FIFA referee Felix Zwayer is set to oversee a Borussia Dortmund Bundesliga match once again. The German Football Association (DFB) has assigned the 43-year-old for this Saturday's game against Eintracht Frankfurt (6:30 PM/Sky). Zwayer's last encounter with BVB was back on December 4, 2021, during their clash against Bayern Munich. Several questionable decisions made by Zwayer caused quite a stir and led to heated debates subsequent to BVB's 2:3 loss.
Following this defeat, Zwayer took a multi-week break from refereeing due to excessive harassment he faced. He touched upon his family's "stressful events and moments" and even hinted at receiving a death threat. The DFB then announced that Zwayer would not be assigned to any BVB matches temporarily. However, things have taken a different turn now.
Dortmund's young star and English national player Jude Bellingham had strongly condemned German referee Zwayer following the match, criticizing his mistakes and indirectly implying that he was involved in corruption. This was a reference to the referee scandal involving Robert Hoyzer. Bellingham, then playing for Dortmund, was penalized with a 40,000 euro fine by the DFB's sports court for his remarks.
Zwayer had made a comeback to Signal Iduna Park during the home European Championship, officiating the semi-final between the Netherlands and England. He faced heavy criticism post the match, not just from the defeated Dutch side but also from English analysts.
I'm not going to sugarcoat it, the criticism towards Zwayer after the match against Borussia Dortmund was severe and warranted. Despite the harsh words and the 40,000 euro fine, it seems FIFA and the DFB have chosen to give him another opportunity to referee in the Bundesliga.
