World Cup star quits soccer days after showing in closing as shock assertion issued
A World Cup star has retired just days after featuring in the final as a gushing statement has been issued on his surprise decision by his country’s football association
Slavko Vincic has retired after refereeing the World Cup final(Image: David Ramos, Getty Images)
A World Cup star who featured in the final has decided to retire in a surprise decision.
The Slovenian FA have confirmed that World Cup final referee Slavko Vincic has officially hung up his whistle. The 46-year-old was chosen by FIFA to take charge of Spain’s prestigious triumph over Argentina and has now decided to call time on his career, as announced by his homeland’s football association.
The opening to their official 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.
Slavko Vincic was kept busy in the final by Argentina(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista, Getty Images)
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“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 and Statistics (IFFHS) named him the best referee of the World Cup, and he received the prestigious Giulio Campanati award in Italy.”
Their statement continued by highlighting his finest accomplishments, which includes overseeing three Europa League finals and taking charge of the 2022 showpiece between Frankfurt and Rangers.
Two years later he was handed the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, with his extensive experience in pivotal matches clearly influencing his World Cup final appointment. Upon discovering the accolade was to be awarded to him, Vincic was overcome with emotion and wept.
Vincic proudly officiated the final(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
He had taken charge of three matches previously in the competition, including the knockout encounter between Ecuador and Mexico.
He was forced to send off Piero Hincapie during that fixture after the Arsenal star placed his hand over his mouth while speaking to a Mexico player amid a fiery confrontation.
The red card was also brandished by Vincic at MetLife Stadium following Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez collecting two bookable offences.
The 2022 world champions were possibly lucky to finish with just one sending-off, given Leandro Paredes’ appalling behaviour after entering as a substitute. The midfielder was among numerous players embroiled in a post-match melee, with Vincic battling to separate the warring factions.
A FIFA probe was initiated following the incident, though no conclusive verdict has emerged, with the sole official clarification being that Paredes wasn’t actually dismissed by Vincic once the final whistle had sounded.
