Marciniak will retain final Champions League role after apologizing for attending far-right rally

3 June - UEFA keeps Szymon Marciniak as referee for the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan after he apologized for his attendance at a conference in Poland organized by a politician far right.

Marciniak said he was "seriously misled" and distanced himself from the conference, but not from Slawomir Mentzen, a leader of the populist Konfederacja (Confederation) party who has been accused of promoting anti-Semitic, sexist and homophobic.

In a statement, Marciniak said he was distancing himself from racism, anti-Semitism and intolerance.

“Upon further reflection and investigation, it has become apparent that I have been seriously misled and completely unaware of the true nature and affiliations of the event in question. to a Polish far-right movement,” he said.

"If I had been aware of this fact, I would have categorically declined the invitation. It is important to understand that the values ​​conveyed by this movement are totally contrary to my personal convictions and the principles that I strives to uphold in my life. I am deeply remorseful for any perception that my participation may have contradicted them."

UEFA have launched an investigation after rights group Never Again said Marciniak “would have promoted and participated in a recent event organized by a Polish far-right leader, Slawomir Mentzen”.

"We are shocked and appalled by Marciniak's public association with Mentzen and his brand of toxic far-right politics," said Rafal Pankowski, co-founder of Never Again. "It is incompatible with the fundamental values ​​of fair play such as equality and respect."

UEFA said that "the entire football community abhors the 'values' promoted by the group in question and takes these allegations very seriously."

But following the referee's apology, UEFA said they would retain him for the Champions League final on June 10 in Istanbul. In December, Marciniak also led the World Cup final between France and Argentina in Lusail, Qatar.

FARE network chairman John Olivieira hailed UEFA's "quick consideration" and "resolve" and the referee's apology. He said: “We thank our Never Again colleagues in Poland for their vigilance. We deplore any threats against them or any attempt to discredit them because of their work. »

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