Amid criticism? World Cup final referee retires

The Slovenian Football Association confirmed that World Cup final referee Slavko Vinčić has officially retired. The 46-year-old Vinčić officiated Spain's victory over Argentina in the final. He was previously linked to a negative incident in 2020 when he was arrested on suspicion of soliciting prostitution, but was released without charges.

The Slovenian Football Association confirmed that World Cup final referee Slavko Vinčić has decided to hang up his whistle and retire officially. The 46-year-old Slovenian was selected by FIFA to officiate Spain's victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final. As recalled, Vinčić was linked to a negative incident in 2020 when he was arrested on suspicion of soliciting prostitution, but was released without charges. The Slovenian referee was part of UEFA's elite panel and previously officiated the Champions League final and the Europa League final. In an official statement, the Slovenian Association bid farewell to the veteran referee: "The local resident of Maribor became the first Slovenian head referee to officiate the grand final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup." The headline hints at criticism as a factor in the retirement, but the body does not specify any particular criticism that led to it.