Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago
Match

Premier League referee now set for first-ever Champions League call-ups as ex-PGMOL chief left pleased

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Chris Kavanagh has been promoted to an elite list of Uefa referees after performing well in the Premier League.

Confirmed by BBC Sport on 30 December, Kavanagh will now join Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor in the top tier of European officials.

This elite list takes charge of tournament and Champions League games, meaning that Kavanagh is now set for a call-up for Europe’s most prestigious competition.

This news comes despite Kavanagh making plenty of contentious decision in the Premier League to date this season.

Nevertheless, former referee Keith Hackett was quick to congratulate the referee on the news.

Keith Hackett offers congratulations to Chris Kavanagh for Uefa promotion

Hackett has criticised many of Kavanagh’s decisions this season in the Premier League.

The former referee even called for Kavanagh to be suspended from officiating after he did not send off Yerson Mosquera against Newcastle.

Nevertheless, he was quick to offer his congratulations to the referee on the recent news.

He exclusively told Football Insider: “Chris Kavanagh will have sustained a high level of performance in his UEFA appointments to gain this elevation to the top panel of officials in Europe.

“It appears to me that UEFA, through the Head of Referees, Italian Roberto Rossetti, is delivering clear leadership and direction to referees operating in UEFA Competitions.

“Kavanagh, along with established colleagues Oliver and Taylor.  It now opens up the opportunity for Kavanagh to receive Championship League appointments.

“I offer him my congratulations and best wishes.”

When are the next Champions League fixtures?

The next round of Champions League fixtures are set to take place on 20 January and 21 January.

This will be the penultimate game in the league stage as teams look to secure their qualification for the next round.

English team's next fixture in the Champions League Date
Bodo/Glimt vs Man City 20 January
Tottenham vs Borussia Dortmund 20 January
Inter Milan vs Arsenal20 January
Marseille vs Liverpool21 January
Newcastle vs PSV21 January
Multiple English teams are set to play in the Champions League next month

Arsenal would secure their place in the top eight with a victory after winning every game to date.

Mikel Arteta’s side are set to play Inter Milan at the San Siro on 20 January. Kick-off for the tie is set for 8pm.

Keith Hackett
Chris Kavanagh
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