UEFA have decided referee Szymon Marciniak will still take charge of the Champions League final between Inter Milan and Manchester City despite recently speaking at an event organised by an extreme far-right leader. The 42-year-old Pole earned rave reviews last December when he made several excellent calls while officiating the World Cup final between Argentina and France in Qatar – bolstering his reputation as one of the best referees on the planet.
But despite his authority and experience on the field, Marciniak is now at the centre of controversy after recently speaking at an event in his homeland organised by Polish far-right leader Slawomir Mentzen.
Since then, there have been calls for him to be stripped of the Champions League final which he is due to officiate next week in Istanbul but UEFA have since given the referee the benefit of the doubt meaning Marciniak will take charge of the showpiece in Istanbul.
UEFA have briefed following an extensive investigation that European football’s chief union “unequivocally reject the values promoted by a group linked to this conference”.
Marciniak has since moved to clarify the situation and his involvement, outlining his regret at his involvement with the event.
The Pole said: “Upon reflection and further investigation, it has become evident that I was gravely misled and completely unaware of the true nature and affiliations of the event in question. I had no knowledge that it was associated with a Polish extreme-right movement.
“Had I been aware of this fact, I would have categorically declined the invitation. It is important to understand that the values promoted by this movement are entirely contrary to my personal beliefs and the principles I strive to uphold in my life. I am deeply remorseful for any perception that my participation may have contradicted them.
“I wholeheartedly condemn any form of hate, discrimination, or intolerance, as they have no place within the sport or society as a whole.
“Moving forward, I pledge to be more vigilant in scrutinising the events and organisations with which I associate myself. I am committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that such lapses in judgment do not occur in the future.
“Lastly, I extend my sincere apologies to the clubs, players, fans, colleagues, officials and organisations who place their trust in me. I fully comprehend that my actions have had repercussions beyond personal disappointment, and I am fully prepared to accept any consequences resulting from my ill-advised participation.”
Marciniak’s reputation has been somewhat tarnished amongst football supporters after his exceptional showing at the Lusail Stadium in Doha before Christmas.
Both Champions League finalists – Inter and Manchester City – are in action for the final time this weekend before they lock horns in Turkey on June 10.
Inter travel to eight-place Torino on the final day of the Serie A season on Saturday as they seek to continue their impressive recent run of form.
In addition to reaching the Champions League final, Inter have held their ground in the race for the top four in Italy having also defeated Fiorentina 2-1 in the Coppa Italia final.
Meanwhile, City are looking to secure the double when they face Manchester United in Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
After securing Champions League qualification, United can sign off in style with their second domestic trophy of the season while also wrecking City’s treble bid.
Pep Guardiola’s side were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United in January at Old Trafford in the Premier League after thrashing their rivals 6-3 in the return fixture at the Etihad Stadium last October.
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