2023-06-02 13:25:40
The case did not drag. A few hours after the revelation by The Guardian about Szymon Marciniak’s participation in a far-right rally on Monday in Katowice, UEFA published a text from the referee of the France-Argentina World Cup final, which presented his apologies.
“I have been seriously misled and completely oblivious to the true nature and affiliations of the event in question. I didn’t know he was associated with a Polish far-right movement. If I had been aware of this fact, I would have categorically declined the invitation. The values conveyed by this movement are totally contrary to my personal convictions and to the principles that I strive to uphold in my life. I am deeply sorry for any perception that my participation may have contradicted them. I offer my most sincere apologies to the clubs, players, supporters, colleagues, officials and organizations who placed their trust in me. I fully understand that my actions have had repercussions beyond personal disappointment, and I am fully prepared to accept any consequences resulting from my misguided participation. Thank you for your understanding, and I humbly request an opportunity to make amends and regain your trust through my future actions. »
UEFA ends its press release this Friday by stating that the NGO, “NEVERAGAIN” had been contacted. “They have demanded that Mr Marciniak remain in his role as referee for the next UEFA Champions League final, arguing strongly that his dismissal would jeopardize the promotion of the fight against discrimination,” writes UEFA. Based on the information provided, UEFA confirms that Mr Marciniak will fulfill his role as referee for the 2023 UEFA Champions League Final.”
The day before, UEFA announced that it was opening an investigation into the participation of Szymon Marciniak, the Polish referee appointed to officiate the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan on June 10. In question: the participation of one of the best referees in the world, at a meeting of the extreme right.
It is The Guardian who revealed the case after the indignation of Never Again, an anti-racist association: “We ask the referee to recognize his mistake. If he doesn’t, we believe that UEFA and Fifa should take the consequences,” said Rafał Pankowski, one of the co-founders of Never Again.
Questioned by The Guardian, UEFA then responded to this more than thorny subject: “UEFA is aware of the allegations concerning Szymon Marciniak and is asking for urgent clarifications. UEFA and the entire football community hate the values promoted by the group in question and take these allegations very seriously. A further announcement will be made tomorrow (this Friday), after reviewing all the evidence. »
The 42-year-old referee, who led the last World Cup final between France and Argentina, responded to the invitation of Slawomir Mentzen, leader of the Confederation party whose slogan is “We are against Jews, homosexuals, abortion, taxation and the European Union”. In 2021, he also made international headlines with his beer named White IPA Matters, which mocked the Black Lives Matter movement.
Still according to The Guardian, this meeting, which was intended to promote the Mentzen beer brand, was above all a political meeting. UEFA’s investigation into Marciniak’s involvement was to be led by its head of football, former Croatia international Zvonimir Boban, and head of refereeing, Roberto Rosetti. His participation in the Champions League final, scheduled for Saturday June 10 in Istanbul (Turkey) between Inter Milan and Manchester City is ultimately not in question.
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