Chosen for Brazil x Morocco, referee has already been detained in police operation
FIFA announced this Wednesday (10) the referee responsible for the match between Brazil and Morocco, valid for the first round of the World Cup. The chosen one was the Slovenian Slavko Vincic, who has experience in major European competitions and a controversial episode off the field.
With around 16 years of experience in FIFA tournaments, Vincic refereed important matches in the Champions League and Europa League, including the 2023/24 Champions League final.
In May 2020, however, the referee was detained during a police operation in Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The action investigated suspected prostitution, weapons and drug trafficking.
At the location of the approach, there were 26 men and nine women. According to the Portuguese newspaper A Bola, one of the women present was Tijana Maksimovic, known as Tijana AJfon, who was being investigated on suspicion of arranging call girls.
During the operation, authorities seized cocaine, ten pistols, medicines and around 10 thousand euros in cash.
Vincic testified as a witness and was later released. The referee did not receive formal charges and was cleared after investigations.
In an interview with the Slovenian portal Večer, the judge stated that he was in the city for a business meeting and accepted an invitation for lunch without knowing the context of the meeting.
"I ended up at this ranch by chance. I have my own company and 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," he declared.
The referee also reported surprise at the arrival of the police and denied any relationship with the group under investigation.
"I was sitting at the table with my partners when, suddenly, the police arrived. I have nothing to do with the group that was arrested. We were taken to the police station and questioned as witnesses. When it turned out that we didn't know them, we were released."
At the time, Vinčić called the episode a "nightmare".
"I'm going through a very difficult time, I want to sleep, I want peace and privacy", he said.
Arbitration for Brazil x Morocco
In addition to Vincic, the arbitration team for Brazil and Morocco will include Slovenian assistants Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic. Swiss Sandro Schaerer will be the fourth referee, while Stephane de Almeida will act as reserve referee.
Brazil and Morocco face each other on Saturday (13), at MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey. The teams are part of Group C of the World Cup, alongside Haiti and Scotland.
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Source: CNN