UEFA has appointed Australian referee Jarred Gillett to officiate the match between Milan and Benfica, related to the Champions League group stage. This appointment was confirmed by European football authorities.
Jarred Gillett is a referee from Australian football who regularly officiates in the A-League, the main football league in Australia. His international experience has grown in recent years, which weighed in UEFA's decision.
This will be the first encounter of a Portuguese team that Jarred Gillett will have the opportunity to officiate. To date, the referee has never directed any match involving Portuguese teams, whether Benfica or any other Portuguese club.
The match between Milan and Benfica is part of the European club competition, where both teams are seeking qualification for the next stage. The appointment of a referee from outside the European context raises questions about the rotation of officials in Champions League matches.
