Key Takeaways:
- In May 2020, Slavko Vincic was mistakenly arrested at a “sex party” in Bosnia but was swiftly released after police determined he was uninvolved
- Vincic has since overseen high-profile matches, including the Europa League and Champions League finals, and three World Cup fixtures this summer
- He will officiate the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain this Sunday in New Jersey
Incident in Bosnia: Clearing the Record
Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic’s career faced a dramatic moment in May 2020 when he became inadvertently embroiled in a police raid in Bijelina, Bosnia, while attending what he described as a business lunch. Police authorities confiscated four packets of cocaine, 10 pistols, more than £8,000 in assorted currencies, and three protective vests at the scene. Although Vincic was questioned by law enforcement as a witness, investigations concluded he and his associates were not linked to the alleged offences. One of the other individuals detained, Tijana Maksimovic, later admitted guilt to charges of international enticement to prostitution.
Introducing your referee for the @FIFAWorldCup 2026 Final….🥁
Congratulations, Slavko Vinčić! 👏 pic.twitter.com/OMLJ3oA31p
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) July 17, 2026
Reflecting on the episode in statements to Slovenian media, Vincic recounted that he had accepted an invitation for a meal, only for events to take a distressing turn when the police arrived unexpectedly. He noted his deep regret, clarifying his lack of connection to the group that was arrested and confirming that both he and his business associates had no involvement. Slovenian refereeing chief Vlado Sajn corroborated Vincic’s account, affirming, “According to the information we gathered from official and unofficial sources, and last but not least from Slavko himself, he is not suspected of anything, no proceedings have been instituted against him. He found himself in this place at the wrong time. He was invited to a party where there was a large group of people – he did not know the vast majority… I consider this story to be a web of unfortunate circumstances.”
Rise to the Pinnacle of Refereeing
Having moved beyond that incident, Vincic’s professional aptitude as a referee has come to the fore. He presided over two fixtures at Euro 2020 and was subsequently tasked with officiating the 2022 Europa League final pitting Rangers against Eintracht Frankfurt. In 2024, he was selected to referee the Champions League final at Wembley, contested by Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
World Cup 2026: On the Biggest Stage
At this summer’s World Cup, Vincic has overseen three matches so far: a 1-1 draw between Brazil and Morocco, Algeria’s 2-1 win against Jordan, and Mexico’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador, during which Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie was issued a red card.
News of his appointment to officiate the final reportedly moved Vincic to tears, and he shared an emotional embrace with his colleagues upon hearing the announcement. He will take centre stage this Sunday when Lionel Messi’s Argentina meet Lamine Yamal’s Spain in New Jersey.
