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Slavko Vinčić Retires After Refereeing 2026 World Cup Final

Retirement ends a decorated refereeing career with FIFA's investigation into the final still unresolved

Overview

  • The Football Association of Slovenia confirmed Vinčić's retirement one week after he officiated the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, describing the move as the capstone of his career.
  • Vinčić issued a stoppage‑time second yellow to Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández in the final, a decision that drew heavy criticism and fed wider debate over his match management.
  • FIFA has opened a disciplinary review of the post‑match brawling and related incidents, and that investigation remains active with no public resolution or sanctions announced.
  • Despite the controversy, Vinčić departs with major honours and elite appointments on his record, including IFFHS and AIA recognition as the tournament's top official and prior finals in the Champions League and Europa League.
  • His exit creates an immediate gap in the pool of top international referees and has prompted public debate and social‑media speculation about the timing of his retirement and his legacy.