Tottenham's Europa League final referee was banned after role in match-fixing scandal

The Europa League final showdown between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will be officiated by a referee previously embroiled in a match-fixing scandal.

Felix Zwayer has been selected by UEFA to preside over the clash between Ruben Amorim's and Ange Postecoglou's teams. The 43-year-old recently took charge of the Champions League semi-final second-leg tie between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.

However, Zwayer's past is marred by a controversy dating back 20 years. Two decades ago, the German was probed for allegedly accepting a bribe of £250 from fellow referee Robert Hoyzer.

In 2006, Hoyzer received a lifetime ban after confessing to fixing and attempting to fix several matches. It was believed the German accepted bribes amounting to €67,000 (£56,650) to manipulate four matches for a Croatian betting syndicate.

Hoyzer was found to have rigged a German Cup match, resulting in Hamburg being eliminated by Paderborn, a decision that led to the dismissal of then-Hamburg coach Klaus Toppmoller. One of the controversial decisions saw Hoyzer inexplicably send off Hamburg forward Emile Mpenza.

Zwayer, on the other hand, was handed a six-month suspension while under investigation for allegedly accepting a £250 bribe. He denied any misconduct and was among several officials who reported Hoyzer's scheme to the authorities.

He revealed that Hoyzer once approached him to rig a 2.Bundesliga encounter between Rot-Weiss Essen and Cologne. Zwayer said: "When I got this firm offer from Hoyzer, I went to my refereeing colleagues. I stress once again that I strongly rejected this offer straight away."

Since serving his suspension, Zwayer has risen to become a top-tier referee in European football, frequently taking charge of