Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić has officially retired from football after bringing an end to one of the most successful officiating careers in the modern game.
The 46 year old stepped away just days after taking charge of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the biggest match of his career. His performance in the final sparked mixed reactions from fans, with some praising his decisions while others criticized several key calls during the match.
Despite the controversy surrounding the final, Vinčić leaves the sport with an impressive résumé. Over the years, he officiated some of football’s biggest events, including the 2024 UEFA Champions League final, major European Championship matches and two FIFA World Cups.
The Football Association of Slovenia confirmed his retirement, describing his career as one of the most accomplished in the country’s history. Vinčić also received international recognition this year after being named the top referee of the 2026 World Cup by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics.
Although his final appearance generated debate among supporters, Vinčić’s career is widely remembered for officiating at the highest level of world football and earning the trust of both UEFA and FIFA for many of the sport’s biggest occasions.
