Controversy Surrounds Slavko Vinčić’s Role in the 2026 World Cup Final

FIFA has chosen Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić to officiate the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium. His selection came with an emotional moment as Vinčić broke down in tears when he received the appointment. Vinčić faced a major off-field scare in May 2020 when he was caught up in a police raid on a Bosnian ranch linked to an international smuggling ring. Authorities later cleared him, confirming he had no ties to the operation. On the pitch, Vinčić’s decisions have sparked heated debate. Fans still recall his calls in a European qualifier between Sweden and Poland that left many feeling robbed. He also made headlines by issuing a direct red card via VAR in Mexico’s win over Ecuador at the last World Cup. Argentine supporters remember him from Saudi Arabia’s shock 2-1 victory over Lionel Messi’s side in 2022. He will be joined in New Jersey by assistants Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, with Jordan’s Adham Makhadmeh as the fourth official.

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