Cocaine & guns: How FIFA's World Cup final referee was caught up in a police raid
FIFA has appointed Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic to officiate the 2026 World Cup final. The decision has drawn attention due to his past involvement in a 2020 police raid regarding an alleged prostitution ring, though he was never charged with any wrongdoing.
Why it matters
It highlights the scrutiny high-profile sports officials face regarding their personal history and the potential for past controversies to impact the reputation of major sporting events.
FIFA has appointed Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic to officiate Sunday's FIFA World Cup 2026 final between defending champions Argentina and Spain, handing one of football's most prestigious assignments to an official whose career once survived a bizarre off-field controversy after he was caught up in a police raid on a suspected prostitution ring.The world governing body confirmed on Wednesday that Vincic will referee the title clash at MetLife Stadium, assisted by fellow Slovenians Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic. Jordan's Adham Makhadmeh will serve as the fourth official, while Mohammad Alkalaf has been named reserve assistant referee.
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