Slavko Vincic, a veteran referee from Slovenia, announced his retirement shortly after presiding over the World Cup final that saw Spain defeat Argentina.
The Slovenian Soccer Association released a statement praising the 52‑year‑old’s decades of service and his role in shaping modern officiating.
A career marked by international milestones
Throughout his career Vincic officiated finals in the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League, and he was selected for four UEFA European Championship tournaments.
In the wake of the World Cup final, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics named him the world’s best referee, a testament to his consistent performance on the biggest stages.
Fans and officials alike anticipate a formal tribute in his homeland, where his contributions will be celebrated as a benchmark for future generations of referees.