News Focus
- João Pinheiro will referee the second leg of the Champions League semi-final between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
- The Portuguese official has previously managed two Bayern Munich matches in European competitions.
- Pinheiro officiated the 2025 UEFA Super Cup between PSG and Tottenham Hotspur.
- The match will take place at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.
- A full officiating team from Portugal, Italy, and Norway will support the referee.
UEFA has selected João Pinheiro as the match referee for the crucial Champions League semi-final second leg between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. The Portuguese official will take charge of the fixture at the Allianz Arena this Wednesday.
The 38-year-old has managed two previous matches involving the German champions. Earlier this season, he oversaw their 2-1 victory against PSV Eindhoven away from home. Last season, he officiated their 3-1 win over Slovan Bratislava.
Pinheiro will lead an international officiating team. His assistants on the touchline will be compatriots Bruno Jesus and Luciano Maia. Espen Eskås from Norway will serve as the fourth official.
The video assistant referee duties will fall to Italy’s Marco Di Bello. Tiago Martins will assist him in the VAR room.
The referee has featured on FIFA’s international list since 2016. He regularly officiates in Portugal’s Primeira Liga. Fans may remember him from the 2025 UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur.