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 on May 28, 2025, despite in the season.

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Referee Irfan Peljto at a UEFA Champions League matchIrfan Peljto is an accomplished football refereeAn image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Referee showing a soccer player a yellow cardThe star faced a ban after making a series of mistakes during a match

Breaking a record

Born on July 18, 1984, in , 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.

Irfan’s shocking ban

However, Irfan has proven to be controversial – having been this season.

His ban came after he made three major mistakes during 1-1 derby draw with Zrinjski Mostar.

Irfan failed to 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.

“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 .

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.

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Referee Irfan Peljto holding a soccer ball at a training sessionIrfan revealed that it was ‘very emotional’ to be selected as the UEFA Conference Final referee