Overview
- The Football Association of Slovenia confirmed that Vinčić officially retired roughly one week after taking charge of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
- Vinčić became the first Slovenian to referee a World Cup final and chose to end his 16‑season international career on that assignment.
- His management of the final drew heavy criticism for allowing Argentina’s physical approach to persist and for the late sending‑off of Enzo Fernández for a second yellow card.
- FIFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into the on‑pitch confrontations after the final and that probe remains active and independent of Vinčić’s retirement.
- Vinčić leaves with a record of elite appointments and honours, including the 2024 Champions League final, the 2022 Europa League final, an IFFHS World Cup best referee award, and the AIA Giulio Campanati prize, and his exit creates a gap at the top of Slovenian and European refereeing.