Nations League excitement builds as referee Dingert takes over VAR duty

In the Kocaeli‑Stadium in İzmit, the Turkish crowd is preparing for the Nations‑League‑duel between Turkey and France, which will be played on Friday. Surprisingly, Christian Dingert, who after a controversial Champions‑League appearance received harsh words from Galatasaray coach Orkan Buruk, is now being used as VAR.

Controversy over Champions‑League‑decision

The experienced referee Christian Dingert is working internationally and was a video referee in the Champions‑League match against Sporting Lisbon. Galatasaray lost there on the first matchday 1‑3, and Buruk accused Dingert of not having reviewed a clear red card. At the subsequent press conference Buruk said: "In his place I would end my refereeing career. This referee should never again officiate a Champions‑League match."

The appointment of Dingert as VAR is already causing a stir in the Turkish media. The coach from Istanbul, Orkan Buruk, had recently suggested the German's career end, which further fuels the discussion about the appointment. This man, who was criticised after the loss, now takes on the important VAR‑task for the next international match.

DFB‑referee team for the Turkey‑France duel

German referee Felix Zwayer will lead on Friday the Nations‑League match between Turkey and France. Zwayer is supported by Robert Kempter and Nikolai Kimmeyer as assistants, Florian Badstübner takes on the role of fourth official, and Johann Pfeifer is assigned as Assistant‑VAR.

Christian Dingert is appointed as VAR, meaning the entire referee crew comes from the DFB. The match is part of the UEFA Nations League, Group A1, and kicks off on Friday at the Kocaeli‑Stadium in İzmit. The combination of experienced deployment and recent criticism adds extra tension in the international context.