European Cups: Ascari in Istanbul for Fenerbahce-Maribor

Cristiano Ascari has been appointed as a UEFA Delegate for the key fixture which tomorrow evening, at 20:00 CET, will be the first of the two meetings between Fenerbahce and Maribor in the Third Qualifying Round of the 2023-24 UEFA Europa Conference League. The Turkish club reached this stage thanks to a comfortable two-legged victory over Zimbru, who had narrowly knocked out San Marino runners-up Cosmos in the first round of the competition. The Slovenians had a much tougher path, overcoming Luxembourg side Differdange only after extra time in the second leg. The qualification was decided by former Atalanta man Ilicic, who converted a penalty deep into added time, just when a penalty shoot-out seemed inevitable. The match at the Şükrü Saracoğlu will be officiated by an English team of four consisting of Robert Jones (referee), Hussin, Smith (assistant referees) and Bramall (fourth official).

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