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Ref Faces Drug Trafficking Allegations Before World Cup Final
19 Jul
Summary
- Slavko Vinčić, a Slovenian referee, will officiate the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
- Vinčić was previously cleared of alleged involvement in drug trafficking.
- He has issued seven yellow cards and one red card in three matches at the tournament.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 final is set to be officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić. This highly anticipated match will see Copa America champions Argentina face off against European champions Spain.
Vinčić, who has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2010, brings significant experience to the final, including officiating the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League final. However, his career has not been without controversy.
Previously, Vinčić was arrested in 2020 concerning alleged involvement in drug trafficking and prostitution but was subsequently cleared of all charges. He recently officiated the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second-leg where Real Madrid was critical of his decision to send off Eduardo Camavinga.
At the current World Cup, Vinčić has managed three matches, issuing seven yellow cards and one red card, without awarding any penalty kicks. In a recent round of 32 match, he sent off Ecuador's Piero Hincapie after a VAR review.
