UEFA have confirmed that Szymon Marciniak will referee the upcoming Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter having had his role put into doubt after appearing as a keynote speaker at a recent far-right rally in Poland.
Marciniak recently appeared alongside politician Slawomir Mentzen, leader of the politician Slawomir Mentzen of the Polish far-right Konfederacja party, but later claimed he has never endorsed any political party, organisation or individuals.
As a result of his participation in the event, there had been suggestions that Marciniak could be replaced as the referee for the upcoming Champions League final.
After releasing a statement on Instagram, and providing UEFA with a formal apology, the governing body have confirmed that Marciniak will take charge of the big game on June 10 after all.
“UEFA has diligently investigated the allegations surrounding Szymon Marciniak’s participation in an event organised in Katowice on 29 May 2023,” an official statement read on Friday afternoon.
“These allegations are taken with utmost seriousness by UEFA and the entire football community as we unequivocally reject the values promoted by a group linked to this conference.
“After conducting a thorough review, we have received a statement from Mr. Marciniak expressing his deepest apologies and providing a clarification regarding his involvement in the event.
“Following Mr. Marciniak’s statement, UEFA acknowledges his profound apologies and clarification. Based on the information provided, UEFA confirms that Mr. Marciniak will fulfil his role as the referee for the 2023 UEFA Champions League final.”
Inter will kick off against Manchester City at 20.00 GMT+1 on June 10 at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul.
Far right leanings in Ukraine, Hungary and Poland is totally OK. But if he was Russian, he would never be allowed to referee in the champions league again. No surprise.