On the eve of the Champions League semi-final first leg between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, UEFA formalized the appointment of Sandro Schärer to lead the match at the Parc des Princes. A 37-year-old Swiss-German referee, recognized for his experience on the European scene, he is preparing to officiate his very first C1 final four. Already seen in several major posters, notably the Parisian victory against Atalanta this season, he nevertheless remains a name which does not completely reassure French football.
His profile also brings back bad memories to other French clubs. During the round of 16 second leg between Lille and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last season, Schärer was strongly contested, in particular by Olivier Létang, president of LOSC, who mentioned a “lack of impartiality” linked to his exchanges in German with opposing players. An episode still remembered, just like certain controversial decisions in the Europa League which today fuel a certain vigilance on the French side before this European shock at the summit.
