Rory O'Callaghan
English referee Anthony Taylor looks set to miss out on officiating the final of Euro 2024 following a controversial call in his previous match.
Taylor was the man in charge for Spain's dramatic extra-time victory over Euros hosts Germany in their quarter-final on Friday.
The Premier League referee received criticism from Germany supporters after he refused to give handball against Chelsea's Marc Cucurella in extra-time.
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Spain would go on to claim a 2-1 victory thanks to a late header from Mikel Merino, setting up a semi-final clash with France on Tuesday.
Furious Germany supporters immediately set up a petition calling for the quarter-final to be replayed, with The Sun reporting that almost 350,000 fans have since signed it.
While UEFA is unlikely to take such action, the controversy surrounded the match has seemingly harmed Taylor's chances of taking charge of the final.
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The Daily Mail report that he has now returned to England, with Italy's Daniele Orsato favourite to referee the match.
Orsato oversaw England's victory over Switzerland and is now in the frame for the showpiece event, with Poland's Szymon Marciniak - who refereed the 2022 World Cup final – also being considered.
Taylor's departure from Germany is also said to be down to the 'slim likelihood' he would be chosen for the Berlin final due to England's involvement in the last four.
UEFA gave its backing to Taylor after the Spain game, with European football's governing body agreeing with his decision to not award Germany a penalty - a call which was backed up by VAR official Stuart Attwell.
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According to German publication Bild, UEFA declared the decision to be correct because 'Cucurella's hand was not in an unnatural position'.
Initial reports after the match claimed that Germany coach Sandro Wagner voiced his anger with Taylor in a furious dressing room rant following the game.
But the Daily Mail claim those reports are inaccurate.
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"Sources have disclosed that while Germany's assistant coach did enter the referee's room to seek an explanation – and was subsequently given one – there was not a furious row or a series of insults from Sandro Wagner," read the report.
"Instead, a calm discussion was held with Taylor departing after he showered."
UEFA is set to confirm the referee for the Euro 2024 final once the semi-finals have taken place, with England taking on the Netherlands in the second semi on Wednesday.