World Cup final referee's past linked to prostitution ring case

Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić is set to officiate the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, marking a significant moment in his career. However, his past is shadowed by an incident in May 2020 when he was questioned by Bosnian authorities during a police operation near Bijeljina. The investigation targeted an international prostitution ring, leading to the arrest of 35 individuals, including Tijana Maksimović, considered a key figure.

Authorities seized cocaine, weapons, and cash during the operation. Maksimović later pleaded guilty to charges related to international pimping and received a prison sentence. Vinčić, though questioned, faced no charges and was released after being deemed a witness with no connection to the case. He explained at the time that he had accepted an invitation for a meal, which he later called his biggest mistake, stating he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

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I accepted an invitation for a meal, which turned out to be my biggest mistake. I have no connection to the people arrested. They examined us as witnesses and when it was found that we didn't even know the others, they let us go.

The president of the Slovenian Football Referees Association, Vlado Sajn, supported Vinčić, describing the incident as a result of "a series of unfortunate circumstances." Six years later, Vinčić stands on the brink of the biggest challenge of his career, with the opportunity to referee the world's premier football event.

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a series of unfortunate circumstances