30/07/2026 04:34 - Deportes
At 46 years old, Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic decided to hang up his whistle just one week after officiating the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. In an interview with Slovenian media outlet Sport, the referee calmly and proudly detailed his journey to the pinnacle of world football.
"At first it was a shock. Then I felt proud of our refereeing team, which would represent Slovenia on such an important stage, in the biggest sporting event in the world," Vincic recalled about the moment FIFA, led by Pierluigi Collina, confirmed the honor of officiating the final.
For the referee born in Maribor, one of the keys to success was unwavering teamwork. Vincic officiated the decisive match alongside his compatriots Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, with whom he has formed a trio for years.
"We have spent so many days together in hotels, seminars, training sessions, and matches that they are like a second family to me. Without them, what we achieved would not have been possible," he said warmly, highlighting the solid refereeing system built in his country.
Regarding the match itself, the Slovenian explained how they prepared: "We studied the characteristics of the players, how they react during interruptions, and what kind of game they develop." However, he acknowledged that each match has its own story and that the first minutes are vital to set the tone. His assessment was very positive: "I believe our refereeing strategy was correct," and he was glad that the refereeing trio "was not a topic of conversation" after the final whistle—a clear sign of excellent work.
One of the most talked-about moments of the final was the conversation between Vincic and Lionel Messi, after Enzo Fernández was sent off with a second yellow card for a foul on Cubarsí. When asked about that exchange, the referee chose elegance and discretion.
"I will leave that conversation on the pitch. But I can say that Messi behaved in a sportingly correct manner," the Slovenian replied, showing deep respect for the Argentine captain.
Finally, Vincic proved to be a strong advocate of technology, stating that today it would be impossible to referee without the VAR (Video Assistant Referee). "You can correct a mistake by reviewing the footage. With the speed of modern football, it is impossible to see everything. I cannot imagine refereeing without the help of technology," he explained, adding that "at least 90 percent of everything has been positive" since its implementation.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
