Meet Slavko Vinčić: The 2026 World Cup final referee once arrested at a 'sex party'

FIFA has confirmed that Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić will officiate the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

The experienced official will be assisted by fellow Slovenians Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, while Jordan's Adham Makhadmeh has been appointed as the fourth official.

Vinčić's appointment comes as Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, chase back-to-back World Cup titles against an impressive Spanish side.

Despite being regarded as one of Europe's top referees, Vinčić's career was thrust into the spotlight in 2020 after he was briefly detained during a police raid in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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The Slovenian referee was among dozens of people questioned after authorities raided a gathering in the city of Bijeljina, where police reportedly seized cocaine, firearms, body armour and cash.

The operation also led to the arrest of Tijana Maksimović, who was later convicted of international enticement to prostitution. Vinčić, however, was never charged with any offence and was released after giving a witness statement.

Speaking to Slovenian outlet Večer following the incident, Vinčić insisted he had unknowingly found himself in the wrong place.

"I found myself on this ranch by chance. I have my own company, I was in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a business meeting. I accepted an invitation to lunch, which turned out to be my biggest mistake. I regret it. I was sitting at a table with my company, all of a sudden the police came and what happened, happened,” he said.

His explanation was backed by the president of the Association of Football Referees of Slovenia, Vlado Sajn, who maintained that no criminal proceedings were ever opened against the official.

"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,” he said.

Since the incident, Vinčić has continued to establish himself as one of Europe's elite referees. He officiated the 2024 UEFA Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid and has remained a regular appointment in major international competitions.

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