Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić, who is reported to officiate the final match of the 2026 World Cup, has once again become the focus of international media attention.
Modern.az reports, citing foreign media, that Vinčić's name came to light during a police operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2020.
According to the information, law enforcement agencies at that time raided a gathering organized on suspicion of prostitution and illegal drug trafficking. It was reported that various weapons, narcotic substances, and a large amount of money were discovered during the operation.
Slavko Vinčić was among the individuals present at that event. However, he later stated that he ended up at that location by chance and was only questioned as a witness within the framework of the investigation. No charges were brought against the referee, and he was not held accountable.
It should be noted that Vinčić has been considered one of UEFA's and FIFA's most reliable referees in recent years. He has officiated the UEFA Champions League final, important European Championship matches, and a number of prestigious international encounters.
The 44-year-old Slovenian referee has held FIFA referee status since 2010. He is considered one of Europe's highest-rated referees and is known for his decision-making ability.
Nevertheless, the incident in 2020 becomes a topic of discussion again every time Vinčić is appointed to major tournaments.
