Slavko Vincic has retired one week after refereeing Spain’s 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, prompting unsupported online claims about Enzo Fernández’s red card.
The Slovenian Football Association confirmed that the 46-year-old had officially ended his refereeing career. It described the World Cup final as the culmination of his historic career and said he was leaving the sport at the top.
Vinčić sent Fernández off during stoppage time at the end of regulation in the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Spain later defeated the 10-man Argentina side through an extra-time goal.
Social media users questioned the timing of Vinčić’s retirement. Some posts alleged that he faced pressure after dismissing Fernández, while others circulated memes referring to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The posts provided no evidence linking the red card to Vinčić’s decision. The Slovenian federation’s statement did not mention pressure from FIFA, Argentina or any other party.
Vinčić became the first Slovenian referee to officiate a World Cup final. The International Federation of Football History and Statistics named him the tournament’s best referee, while the Italian Referees Association awarded him the Giulio Campanati Award.
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His career also included the 2024 UEFA Champions League final and the 2022 UEFA Europa League final. He had served as an international referee since 2010.
