World Cup 2022 referee to oversee Porto‑City duel in Champions League

Polish referee Szymon Marciniak has been appointed by UEFA to officiate the match between FC Porto and Manchester City in the opening round of the Champions League group stage, which will take place this Tuesday at 20:00 at the Estádio do Dragão.

The appointment of Marciniak reflects UEFA's confidence in officials with experience in high‑level matches. The referee has already overseen decisive games in European and world competitions.

Beside him, assistant Tomasz Listkiewicz, also Polish, will complete the officiating team. The VAR will be operated by the Dutch Pol van Boekel and Dennis Higler.

Marciniak's international résumé

Marciniak was present at the 2026 World Cup and was the referee for the 2022 World Cup final, held in Qatar, where Argentina beat France. In 2023, he oversaw the Champions League final, decided by Manchester City against Inter Milan.

In his history with FC Porto, the Polish official has already refereed three Champions League matches. He oversaw the Porto 3‑0 victory over Roma in the 2016/17 season, the 1‑2 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the 2022/23 campaign, and the 0‑0 draw against Inter Milan in the same campaign.

The presence of a referee who has already overseen a World Cup final and a Champions final underscores the importance of the opening group‑stage duel. The encounter promises to be marked by strict decisions and Marciniak's accumulated experience.