Calgary Referee Drew Fischer to Officiate MLS Cup Final Saturday

UPDATE: In an exciting development for soccer fans, Calgary referee Drew Fischer has been selected to officiate the MLS Cup Final this Saturday, November 4, 2023. The championship match will see Inter Miami, featuring legendary player Lionel Messi, face off against the Vancouver Whitecaps, led by star Thomas Muller. The match kicks off at 12:30 p.m. MST at Chase Stadium in Florida.

This is a significant milestone for Fischer, who has been recognized as the MLS referee of the year for the second consecutive time in 2025. He previously served as a match official at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he was the only Canadian referee chosen for the prestigious event, which captivated hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.

“It’s an awfully long way from doing local park games in Calgary,” Fischer remarked, highlighting his journey from local matches to officiating at the highest levels of the sport. He will be joined by fellow Canadian Carol Anne Chenard, who has been appointed as the VAR (video assistant referee) for this historic game, marking her first appearance in an MLS final.

As excitement builds for the MLS Cup Final, the stakes are high. Messi and Muller have faced each other 11 times in their careers, with Muller’s teams winning eight of those encounters. Fans are eager to see if this match will change the narrative.

In a related event, Cavalry FC is hosting a watch party today at Elephant & Castle to celebrate the World Cup draw, coinciding with the anticipation of the MLS Cup Final. The party will feature all-day happy-hour specials, giveaways, and 22 TVs tuned in for the draw, as Canada prepares to discover its opponents for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Cavalry FC took to social media to congratulate Fischer, reminiscing about his role in their first-ever match at ATCO Field back on May 4, 2019.

As the clock ticks down to the MLS Cup Final, all eyes will be on Fischer, Messi, and Muller as they aim for soccer glory in a match that promises to be unforgettable. Stay tuned for live updates and coverage as the event unfolds.