According to Bild, German referee Felix Zwyer's World Cup journey has come to an early end. After officiating two group stage matches, he has left the refereeing facility in the United States and will not officiate any more matches this weekend. The German Football Association has also confirmed this news.
Tzwyer officiated the World Cup matches in which the host nation, the United States, defeated Australia 2-0, and the Democratic Republic of Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1. The German referee performed well in both games, but his debut in Seattle was marred by cramps during stoppage time. He collapsed, and medical personnel rushed onto the field to treat him; Tzwyer ultimately finished the match.
Bastian Dankert, 46, has not yet left the team and still has a chance to officiate the World Cup final on Sunday as a video assistant referee.
The Spain vs. France semi-final in Arlington, Dallas this Tuesday was officiated by Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton. His decision to "cover his mouth with his hand" during a red card announcement and subsequent refereeing action went viral online, with his phrase "The decision is: Red card!" even being turned into a popular electronic music track. American referee Ismail Alfa will officiate the other semi-final match between England and Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday.
According to multiple media reports, 13 referees remain at the FIFA headquarters. If Argentina reaches the final, European and South American referees will be excluded, making Australian referee Alireza Faghani the top candidate.
If the final is a match between two European teams, Slovenian referee Slavko Vončić or Polish referee Simon Marzinjak are also candidates.
