Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic will officiate the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, FIFA announced on Wednesday. The appointment comes six years after Vincic was arrested in May 2020 during a police raid at a property in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Vincic stated he was at the location for a business meeting and accepted an invitation to lunch, which he described as his biggest mistake. He was detained by police along with 26 other men and nine women. Officers reportedly seized four packets of cocaine, 10 pistols, three protective vests, and over 10,000 euros in various currencies.
Police at the time believed Tijana Maksimovic, who was also arrested, to be the leader of a prostitution ring. Maksimovic later pleaded guilty to international enticement to prostitution and received a one-year prison sentence.
Vincic was questioned as a witness and released without being formally accused of any wrongdoing. He told Slovenian outlet Vecer that he had no connection to the arrested group or their alleged activities. The president of the Association of Football Referees of Slovenia, Vlado Sajn, defended Vincic, stating that no proceedings were instituted against him and that he was "in this place at the wrong time."
This World Cup final marks a significant moment for Argentina and Lionel Messi, who are aiming for a second consecutive World Cup title. Allegations of favoritism from officials have been raised during the tournament.