Slovenian referee, Slavko Vinčić, has officially retired from football officiating, bringing an end to his distinguished career just over a week after overseeing the controversial 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Vinčić took charge of the tense showdown at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift their second World Cup title.
The final, however, was overshadowed by controversy, with the 46-year-old criticised for allowing Argentina’s physical style of play to continue for much of the contest.
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández was eventually dismissed late in normal time after receiving a second yellow card, but tensions escalated further after the final whistle.
Players from both sides became involved in a mass confrontation, with several heated altercations breaking out on the pitch.
Leandro Paredes was seen throwing punches at Spain duo Gavi and Eric García but avoided a red card after the BBC reported that his initial dismissal was later overturned.
The chaotic scenes reportedly began when Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch at Spain midfielder Rodri, sparking the wider confrontation.
FIFA is expected to investigate the incidents following widespread criticism of Argentina’s conduct during the closing stages of the match.
Amid the fallout, Vinčić has now confirmed his retirement, making the World Cup final the final assignment of his refereeing career.
A statement from the Slovenian FA read, “One week after the World Cup final in the USA, Slavko Vinčić officially concluded his historic refereeing career at the very top of the world.
“The Maribor native became the first Slovenian head referee to officiate the grand final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, confirming his status as one of the greatest officials in history.
“As the crowning achievement of his farewell season, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) named him the best referee of the World Cup, and he received the prestigious Giulio Campanati award in Italy.”
The Slovenian FA also highlighted Vinčić’s remarkable achievements, noting that he became the first referee from Slovenia to officiate a FIFA World Cup final.
After receiving the appointment for football’s biggest match, Vinčić admitted he was overcome with emotion, describing the opportunity as an “incredible honour.”
His career also included officiating three UEFA Europa League finals, among them the 2022 decider between Rangers and Eintracht Frankfurt.
In 2024, he was the referee for the UEFA Champions League final, where Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund.
Vinčić also featured prominently at major international tournaments, making his FIFA World Cup debut in Qatar in 2022 before officiating at UEFA Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.
At this year’s World Cup, he handled four matches, including a last-32 clash between Ecuador and co-hosts Mexico.
During that fixture, he issued his first-ever red card at a major international tournament, sending off Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié for covering his mouth while speaking to Santiago Giménez under FIFA’s revised regulations.
However, he chose not to take similar action in the World Cup final after Lionel Messi attempted to have Spain defender Marc Cucurella punished for the same offence.
Messi’s actions drew criticism, while many Spain supporters also questioned Vinčić’s officiating, accusing him of failing to penalise several heavy Argentine challenges and directing chants at FIFA president Gianni Infantino over perceived favouritism towards the South Americans.
