IRFAN Peljto is an elite football referee who was the very first Bosnian referee to officiate a UEFA game.
He will be officiating at the Uefa Conference League final on May 28, 2025, despite being hit with a ban earlier in the season.
Breaking a record
Born on July 18, 1984, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Irfan first began officiating in the Bosnian Premier League.
He has been on the FIFA list since 2015 and is categorised as a UEFA elite referee.
The star has broken an incredible football record too.
He is the first Bosnian referee to oversee a UEFA Champions League group stage or knockout phase match – having officiated a match between Beşiktaş and Ajax in 2021.
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Irfan’s shocking ban
However, Irfan has proven to be controversial – having been banned from six games this season.
His ban came after he made three major mistakes during Borac Banja’s 1-1 derby draw with Zrinjski Mostar.
Irfan failed to award penalties on two separate occasions during the match, which led the Bosnian FA to release a damning statement.
The statement read: “In the 25th minute, the referee, although very well positioned and with a clear view of the incident, failed to recognise an obvious foul and award a penalty kick to FK Borac.
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“In the 26th minute, the referee, although well positioned, failed to award a direct free kick for the away team after a clear foul which led to a goal for the home team.
“In the 90th+5 minute, the referee failed to award a clear penalty kick for Zrinjski too.”
Refereeing the UEFA Conference League final
Irfan Peljto will be acting as the referee at the 2025 UEFA Conference League final.
Chelsea will be taking on the Spanish side Real Betis in Wroclaw, Poland, on 28 May 2025.
Ahead of the game, Irfan said: “We are living a dream. To receive the call was very emotional. It’s an honour not only for my career, but to bring the flag of my small country under the European spotlight is a very proud moment.
“I hope it is also a moment for the future of referees in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that young referees have this positive perspective on refereeing, and that we have created a path for them.”
Chelsea have previously won two Champions League titles, two Europa Leagues and two European Cup Winners’ Cups – meaning that this is the club’s final European honour to win.
Fans can watch the game live when it airs at 8pm on TNT Sports.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
