UEFA has appointed Swiss referee Sandro Schärer to officiate the first leg of the Champions League semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes. The 37-year-old official will take charge of the highly anticipated clash this week, with the match marking a significant step in his European refereeing career.
Schärer is a familiar figure to PSG, having previously refereed the French champions in this season's competition. According to UEFA's official appointment list, he was the man in the middle for PSG's group stage match against Atalanta earlier in the 2025-2026 Champions League campaign. That prior experience at the Parc des Princes is viewed as a factor in his selection for such a high-profile knockout fixture.
The Swiss official also handled a Champions League match involving French opposition last season, overseeing Lille's encounter with Borussia Dortmund. That appointment proved controversial, with Lille president Olivier Létang publicly accusing Schärer of partiality following the match. Létang's comments highlighted the intense scrutiny officials face in the latter stages of European competition, where marginal decisions can define a club's season.
Schärer's appointment continues UEFA's pattern of selecting experienced officials for semi-final matches, with the governing body likely valuing his familiarity with both clubs' recent European campaigns. His selection suggests UEFA's refereeing committee has confidence in his ability to manage the high-pressure environment of a semi-final between two of the continent's most storied clubs. The match represents one of the most significant appointments of Schärer's career to date.
For PSG, the focus will now shift from speculation over the officiating to final preparations for facing Bayern. The French side will be hoping to secure a positive result at home before the return leg in Munich. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, travel to Paris aiming to disrupt PSG's rhythm and secure a crucial away advantage. The tactical battle between the two managers will now be complemented by the managerial challenge both teams face in adapting to Schärer's refereeing style and interpretations on the night.
The selection concludes UEFA's appointments for the first legs of the semi-finals, with all eyes now turning to the Parc des Princes for what promises to be a decisive encounter in this season's Champions League narrative.
