Portuguese official Artur Soares Dias has been confirmed as the referee for Torino’s Europa League playoff first leg against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Soares Dias is a UEFA elite referee and oversaw Inter’s 4-0 win against Rapid Vienna in the Europa League last season.
However, a Portuguese referee has caused Tuttosport ‘a great deal of agitation’ due to Wolves’ extensive links with the country.
Portuguese official Artur Soares Dias has been confirmed as the referee for Torino’s Europa League playoff first leg against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Soares Dias is a UEFA elite referee and oversaw Inter’s 4-0 win against Rapid Vienna in the Europa League last season.
However, a Portuguese referee has caused Tuttosport ‘a great deal of agitation’ due to Wolves’ extensive links with the country.
The Premier League side have seven Portuguese players in their first team, a Portuguese Coach and backroom staff, plus close links with Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes.
The situation is made more awkward by Soares Dias and his assistant countrymen being obliged to speak in English during the match.
The first leg takes place in Turin and kicks off this evening at 20:00 BST.