Irfan Peljto will become the first Bosnian referee to take charge of a major UEFA club competition final when he referees the Conference League final between Chelsea and Real Betis. His appointment has come with controversy, however, having been handed a six-match ban earlier in the season.
Peljto also officiated Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg win over Real Madrid and is considered one of UEFA’s top refs. He has been in control of six Champions League matches and four Europa League ties in total this season. But in his native Bosnia, Peljto was slapped with a six-game suspension for his role in a 1-1 derby draw between fierce Zrinjski Mostar and Borac Banja.
In September, the Bosnian FA issued a statement claiming that both teams should have been awarded penalties, which Peljto did not award. They reprimanded the official for three separate missed calls throughout the contest.
Their statement read: "In the 25th minute, the referee, although very well positioned and with a clear view of the incident, failed to recognise an obvious foul and award a penalty kick to FK Borac.
"In the 26th minute, the referee, although well-positioned, failed to award a direct free kick for the away team after a clear foul which led to a goal for the home team. In the 90th+5 minute, the referee failed to award a clear penalty kick for Zrinjski too."
Peljto also boycotted two clubs after his family received vile threats. He did not want to cover matches between Sarajevo and Zeljeznicar due to threats he and his immediate family were facing. According to Bosnian site SportSport, he even reported the threats to the country's Ministry of Internal Affairs.
He was also faced with criticism from Cristiano Ronaldo for an unrelated matter. During an international friendly between Portugal and Slovenia, the legendary striker confronted Peljto on the pitch afer Slovenia claimed an unlikely win.
Ronaldo was frustrated that two penalty shouts were not given, arguing with the official before pleading his case to Peljto’s assistants.
Despite the controversial nature of his appointment, Peljto believes that his selection for the Conference League final will only benefit Bosnian football.
“We are living a dream,” he said. “To receive the call was very emotional. It's an honour not only for my career, but to bring the flag of my small country under the European spotlight is a very proud moment.
“I hope it is also a moment for the future of referees in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that young referees have this positive perspective on refereeing, and that we have created a path for them.”