CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Who is Irfan Peljto, the referee for Shakhtar Donetsk vs Barcelona in the Champions League 2023/24?
It’s matchday four in UEFA’s showpiece competition and we’re looking forward to minimal controversy from the officials at the Volksparkstadion, Hamburg.
Domestically the 2023/24 season is taking shape, with Barcelona, under the leadership of Xavi Hernández, sitting third in LaLiga behind Real Madrid and surprise leaders Girona, and with Atlético sniffing close behind. Things are looking much more comfortable in their Champions League group H, where the Catalans sit top, three wins from three.
Tuesday’s match sees them take on Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg due to the conflict in their country. A 2-1 home win in matchday three will give tonight’s ‘away’ side confidence to pick up more points and tighten their grip on an early qualification for the knockout phase. A single win in Antwerp has Shakhtar likely needing a win if they are to progress.
Shaktar vs Barcelona: follow the live action here!
With a host of German fans having the opportunity to join in the fun, it’s another nationality that brings our officials to the mix.
Who is referee Irfan Peljto?
Yes, it’s Bosnian referee Irfan Peljto who will be responsible for the officiating the game in Germany. At 39 years old, Peljto will be overseeing a match for the first time for the Blaugranas in the highest level of European competition. He will also be making his debut with the Ukrainian team, who will be playing as the home side.
Did you know that Peljto is the only Bosnian to referee in the Champions League? Well, now you do, and his first one was in the 2021 game between Besiktas and Ajax. He’s normally seen in his nation’s Premier League but has also been involved in internationals.