The referee appointment for the upcoming Champions League clash between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain has raised eyebrows across the football world.
UEFA has confirmed that Italian official Daniele Orsato will take charge of the highly anticipated Group B fixture, scheduled for Tuesday, 26 November 2026, at the Allianz Arena.
The decision comes as a surprise to many, given Orsato’s recent history with both clubs. The 49-year-old referee was the man in the middle when PSG knocked Bayern out of the Champions League quarter-finals in 2024, a match that ended in controversy after several contentious decisions.
Bayern fans will remember that night in Paris all too well. Orsato awarded a penalty to PSG in the first half after a VAR review, a call that shifted the momentum of the tie. The German side protested the decision heavily, but the goal stood, and PSG advanced on aggregate.
On the other side, PSG have their own reasons to be wary. Orsato officiated their 2023 group stage defeat to Bayern in Munich, a match where the French champions felt hard done by after a red card was shown to one of their key defenders in the opening 20 minutes.
Both camps have remained tight-lipped about the appointment, but sources close to the clubs suggest there is unease in both dressing rooms. The stakes could not be higher, with top spot in the group still very much up for grabs.
Orsato is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most experienced referees, having officiated at two World Cups and multiple Champions League finals. However, his tendency to let the game flow has sometimes led to criticism from teams who prefer a more controlled approach.
Kick-off is set for 21:00 CET on Tuesday. The match will be broadcast live on major sports networks across Europe.
