Champions League final ref Szymon Marciniak to KEEP role after apologising over far-right links following Uefa probe
SZYMON MARCINIAK will keep his role as Champions League final referee after Uefa probed alleged links with a far-right politician.
The Polish whistler was originally appointed to officiate Manchester City’s clash with Inter Milan in Istanbul next week.
His participation was subsequently in doubt, however, following allegations that he appeared as a speaker at a far-right event in Poland.
Polish anti-racism group Never Again claimed that Marciniak promoted and even participated in an event organised by Slawomir Mentzen.
Mentzen, 36, is leader of Poland’s Confederation Party – which uses a vile slogan denouncing Jewish and gay people – in addition to standing against abortion, taxes and the EU.
Uefa released a statement following the allegations against Marciniak.
It read: “Uefa is aware of the allegations surrounding Szymon Marciniak and is seeking urgent clarification.
“Uefa and the whole football community abhor the ‘values’ that are promoted by the group in question and takes these allegations very seriously.
“A further announcement will be made, after reviewing all the evidence.”
Following their probe, Uefa elected to keep Marciniak on as Champions League final ref after receiving a lengthy apology and clarification.
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European football’s governing body added that anti-discrimination groups asked for Marciniak to keep his role as Champions League final ref.
The far-right event that Marciniak was allegedly involved in took place on May 29.
At the event entitled “Everest” – Marciniak was listed as a keynote speaker.
The referee has officiated eight Champions League matches this term, including Manchester City’s semi-final second leg mauling of Real Madrid.
He also took charge of last year’s World Cup final in Qatar.
