Due to criticism? World Cup final referee resigns from his position
The Football Association of Slovenia has confirmed that World Cup final referee Slavko Vinčić has decided to hang up his whistle and officially retire. The 46-year-old Slovenian, who officiated Spain's victory over Argentina, has chosen to end his career.
The Football Association of Slovenia has confirmed that World Cup final referee Slavko Vinčić has decided to hang up his whistle and officially retire. The 46-year-old Slovenian was selected by FIFA to officiate Spain's victory over Argentina and has now chosen to end his career.
As recalled, Vinčić was linked to a negative affair in 2020 after being arrested on suspicion of soliciting women for prostitution. The Slovenian referee was present at a party in a luxury villa where local police raided an organized crime network involved in prostitution, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling.
Vinčić was questioned on suspicion of ties to the network but was quickly released without charges after authorities were convinced he was not involved in the criminal activity itself and following his claims that he was there by chance.
The Slovenian referee was part of the UEFA elite panel and had previously officiated a Champions League final as well as a Europa League final. Earlier this year, he refereed the wild match between Israel and Italy that ended 5-4 for the Italians.
Footage of the Slovenian went viral when he received the news of being appointed to the World Cup final. In the video, Collina, FIFA's referee chief, can be seen announcing it at the referees' base in Miami, and Vinčić bursts into tears:
"So, first of all, shock. Then happiness. I was shaking, it is an incredible honor to officiate the World Cup final," he said.
In an official statement, the Slovenian Football Association bid farewell to the veteran referee:
"The Maribor native became the first Slovenian head referee to officiate the grand final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, thereby confirming his status as one of the greatest referees in history."
They continued to praise him: "As the crowning achievement of his farewell season, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics crowned him as the winner of the Best World Cup Referee award, and he received the prestigious Giulio Campanati Award in Italy." Their statement continued by mentioning his notable achievements, which include involvement in three Europa League finals and officiating the 2022 showpiece match between Frankfurt and Rangers.
