Marian Alexandru Barbu

Marian Alexandru Barbu, born on August 13, 1988 in Făgăraș, Romania, is a Romanian football referee who has gained recognition in national and international competitions. He started his career in the Liga I of Romania and, since 2022, he has been part of the FIFA referees panel. 

In the 2024/2025 season, Barbu has been appointed to officiate high-profile matches in the UEFA Europa League. For example, he refereed the match between Real Sociedad and RSC Anderlecht on October 3, 2024, which ended with a 2-1 victory for the Belgian team. 

His refereeing style is characterized by a rigorous and consistent application of the rules, maintaining effective communication with players to ensure control during the matches. This reputation has allowed him to be considered for high-profile matches in European competitions.

Throughout his career, Barbu has demonstrated a remarkable ability to handle high-pressure situations, establishing himself as a respected figure in European refereeing.