Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić announced his final retirement, having officiated the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
There was considerable refereeing controversy surrounding Vinčić's decisions during the World Cup final, particularly his failure to issue strict rulings against the Argentine players and their violent challenges on the Spanish national team players.
Vinčić sent off Argentine star Enzo Fernández after a violent challenge on Spanish defender Pau Cubarsí in the closing minutes of the second half.
Vinčić's retirement was announced in a statement by the Slovenian Football Association, reported by ESPN.
Read also .. "You were drowning in hatred".. Infantino responds to his critics in an official statement
The Slovenian Football Association's statement read: "A week after the World Cup final in the United States, Slavko Vinčić has officially concluded his historic refereeing career at the pinnacle of the game."
Vinčić ended his refereeing career at the age of 46. He joined UEFA's elite referees in 2019, officiated matches at Euro 2020, and took charge of the Euro 2024 semi-final between Spain and Italy.
Vinčić also refereed the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, which Real Madrid won 2-0 to claim the title for the 15th time in their history.
Vinčić officiated the 2022 Europa League final between Rangers and Eintracht Frankfurt, and served as fourth official in the 2021 Europa League final between Manchester United and Villarreal, which Villarreal won on penalties.
