World Cup final referee, 46, sensationally QUITS just days after chaotic Spain vs Argentina clash as statement released
SLAVKO VINCIC has QUIT football just days after taking charge of the World Cup final.
The official was in charge as Spain lifted their second world title as they beat Argentina in the final in New Jersey.
However, the match was tainted by disgraceful scenes after full-time as Argentine players lashed out.
Leandro Paredes lashed out at both Gavi and Eric Garcia but somehow escaped a red card.
Manchester City star Rodri was confronted by both Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Otamendi for bad-mouthing Argentina before the match.
Vincic, 46, has now retired as a football referee with the final marking his last ever game.
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The Slovenian FA have confirmed his decision as he was honoured by his homeland.
A statement 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 statement continued to list Vincic’s greatest achievements as a referee.
This included taking charge of three Europa League finals, together with the 2022 tie between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers
In 2024, he took charge of the Champions League final, which was won by Real Madrid against Borussia Dortmund.
He did show a red card in the final between Spain and Argentina as he sent Chelsea‘s Enzo Fernandez for an early bath.
The midfielder was rightly dismissed for a late challenge on Pau Curbasi, which sent him cartwheeling in the air.
An investigation into the full-time melees was opened by Fifa but there is yet to be a decision made.
In May 2020, the Slovenian official found himself caught up in a drugs and prostitution raid as he attended a “business lunch” in Bijelina, Bosnia.
Police seized four packets of cocaine, 10 pistols, over £8,000 in various currencies and three protective vests during the raid.
Vincic was probed by cops as a witness before being released, deemed not to have anything to do with the crime operation.
Tijana Maksimovic, who was also arrested at the scene, went on to plead guilty to international enticement to prostitution.
SOURCE: THESUN