Welsh match official Tom Owen is set to make history this Sunday, June 7, as he takes on the role of Fourth Official for the UEFA Under-17 EUROCompetition·UEFA Under-17 EURO Final. The prestigious match will see BelgiumTeam·Belgium face Italy in TallinnVenue·Tallinn, Estonia, a culmination of the tournament hosted across the Baltic nation.
Owen's appointment is a notable milestone, marking the first time in four decades that a Welsh male match official has been assigned to a UEFA final. The last such occasion was in 1986, when Ron BridgesPlayer·Ron Bridges served as the Referee for the UEFA Under-21 EUROCompetition·UEFA Under-21 EURO Final. This recognition underscores Owen's consistent performance and dedication throughout his career.
During the current UEFA Under-17 EUROCompetition·UEFA Under-17 EURO tournament, the 34-year-old official from St Asaph has already demonstrated his capabilities, having refereed three matches, including the high-stakes semi-final clash between Italy and Spain. He also served as Fourth Official during the group stage, gaining valuable experience in various capacities.
Owen's career as a FIFA Match Official began in 2021, building on a decade of officiating in the JD Cymru PremierCompetition·JD Cymru Premier. His expertise was also recognized with an appointment as the Referee for the 2025 JD Welsh CupCompetition·JD Welsh Cup Final, further solidifying his standing in the domestic game.
“To be appointed to a UEFA Final is something every referee dreams of, so I'm incredibly proud and honoured to receive this appointment,” Owen stated, reflecting on the significance of the moment. “Representing Wales on the European stage is always special, and to be part of a UEFA Final is a moment I will cherish. I'd like to thank UEFA, the FAW, my colleagues and everyone who has supported me throughout my career. I'm looking forward to enjoying the occasion and helping contribute to a successful final.”
Phil Thomas, FAW Elite Match Officials Manager, echoed the sentiment, expressing the association's pride. “We are delighted with this news, it is a fantastic achievement for Tom,” Thomas said. “He has represented Wales with distinction throughout the tournament so far and his appointment to Sunday's final is reward for his dedication and hard work over a number of years.”
The final will be held at Lilleküla staadion, following a competitive tournament that saw BelgiumTeam·Belgium overcome France in their semi-final, while Italy defeated Spain to secure their place. The championship not only crowns the best Under-17 team in Europe but also serves as a crucial qualifier for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World CupCompetition·FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, adding another layer of importance to Sunday's encounter.
Referee Tom Owen officiates the UEFA U17 European Championship semifinal. Photo: Mauri Levandi/IMAGO
Mauri Levandi/IMAGOThis article was generated by AI (gemini-2.5-flash). Learn more.
