# UEFA Champions League first round preparations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uefa-champions-league-first-round-preparations
> Updated: 2026-09-08T11:58:18.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

The UEFA Champions League first round is approaching, with focus shifting from match previews to official officiating assignments.

Initial analysis of upcoming fixtures highlighted several key matchups, including Manchester United versus Sabah FA and Fenerbahçe versus AS Roma. Statistical models suggested a high probability of victory for Sabah FA, noting their recent record of 12 wins in 20 matches. The Fenerbahçe and AS Roma contest was noted for featuring two offensively strong teams.

UEFA has since announced the refereeing crews for various first-round matches. Spanish referee Jesús Gil Manzano is assigned to the Fenerbahçe and Roma match in Istanbul. Other appointments include Willy Delajod for the Manchester United versus Sabah fixture at Old Trafford, Rade Obrenovič for Bayern Munich versus Bodø/Glimt, and Vasilis Fotias for the Slavia Prague versus Lens match.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: UEFA announces referee assignments for Champions League first round

UEFA has announced referee assignments for Champions League first-round matches, including Jesús Gil Manzano for Fenerbahçe vs Roma and Willy Delajod for Manchester United vs Sabah.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uefa-announces-referee-assignments-for-champions-league-first-round

### 2026-09-05: Champions League: Manchester United, Sabah FA, Fenerbahçe, and AS Roma previews

Champions League previews highlight Sabah FA's offensive strength against Manchester United and a high-scoring potential for the Fenerbahçe vs AS Roma matchup.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/champions-league-manchester-united-sabah-fa-fenerbahe-and-as-roma-previews

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Cite as: UEFA Champions League first round preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uefa-champions-league-first-round-preparations