Vincic says goodbye: the World Cup final referee has retired

Slavko Vincic has blown his final whistle. After taking charge of Spain’s victory over Argentina in this month’s World Cup final, the referee has brought an end to his professional career. The news was announced by the Slovenian Soccer Association (NZS) in a statement published on its website.

With Vincic’s retirement, European soccer’s governing body, UEFA, loses one of its most trusted and respected officials. The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) named him the world’s best referee following this summer’s tournament in North America.

“One of the greatest referees”

According to the Slovenian federation, Vincic “cemented his status as one of the greatest referees in soccer history” by officiating the sport’s biggest match.

The World Cup final served as the crowning achievement of a career that also included appointments to both the UEFA Champions League final and the Europa League final. The 46-year-old was additionally selected to work at four UEFA European Championships.

Having called time on his career, Vincic is expected to receive a tribute in his homeland, with the NZS widely anticipated to recognize him as the greatest referee in the federation’s history.

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