Saudi Union Appoints Mariani as Referee for King’s Cup Final
Mariani, 43 years old, received his international badge in 2019 and has previously officiated 18 matches in the Italian league this season, in addition to the Coppa Italia final between AC Milan and Bologna.
He has also officiated seven matches in the UEFA Champions League this season, and his European experience began in the 2020-2021 season in the UEFA Europa League, expanding to include the Champions League starting from the 2022-2023 season.
Despite these statistics, journalist Mohammed Al-Sheikh criticized the decision, considering that Mariani does not measure up to the level of the final, pointing out his lack of experience in managing major finals such as the World Cup or Champions League final.
For his part, journalist Abdulaziz Al-Zallal expressed reservations about the appointment, confirming that Mariani has not officiated enough matches on the continental stage, which does not qualify him to lead a match of the size and significance of the King’s Cup final.
Al-Zallal added that this type of match requires a referee with a strong personality and extensive experience, ensuring the match proceeds fairly and professionally in line with the prestige of the event and the importance of the competing clubs.
It is worth noting that the match will take place on the evening of Friday, May 30, at the Al-Inma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, at 9 PM Saudi time.
He has also officiated seven matches in the UEFA Champions League this season, and his European experience began in the 2020-2021 season in the UEFA Europa League, expanding to include the Champions League starting from the 2022-2023 season.
Despite these statistics, journalist Mohammed Al-Sheikh criticized the decision, considering that Mariani does not measure up to the level of the final, pointing out his lack of experience in managing major finals such as the World Cup or Champions League final.
For his part, journalist Abdulaziz Al-Zallal expressed reservations about the appointment, confirming that Mariani has not officiated enough matches on the continental stage, which does not qualify him to lead a match of the size and significance of the King’s Cup final.
Al-Zallal added that this type of match requires a referee with a strong personality and extensive experience, ensuring the match proceeds fairly and professionally in line with the prestige of the event and the importance of the competing clubs.
It is worth noting that the match will take place on the evening of Friday, May 30, at the Al-Inma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, at 9 PM Saudi time.
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