UEFA keep Szymon Marciniak as Champions League final referee after apology for speaking at a far-right event
Referee Szymon Marciniak has issued an apology to UEFA after his alleged links with a far-right movement in Poland.
The 42-year-old is set to remain as the referee for this season's Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan.
UEFA launched an investigation into Marciniak after it was alleged he spoke at an event organised by Slawomir Mentzen, a Polish far-right leader.
Mentzen co-chairs the Confederation party and introduced the political slogan: "We stand against Jews, gays, abortion, taxation and the European Union."
Marciniak, who was the referee for the World Cup final, has since issued a lengthy apology: "I hope this statement will find its way to all those concerned, particularly the individuals who were rightfully alarmed and disappointed by my participation in the "Everest" event organised in Katowice on 29 May 2023. I want to express my deepest apologies for my involvement and any distress or harm it may have caused.
"Upon reflection and further investigation, it has become evident that I was gravely misled and completely unaware of the true nature and affiliations of the event in question. I had no knowledge that it was associated a Polish extreme-right movement.
"Had I been aware of this fact, I would have categorically declined the invitation. It is important to understand that the values promoted by this movement are entirely contrary to my personal beliefs and the principles I strive to uphold in my life. I am deeply remorseful for any perception that my participation may have contradicted them.
"As a professional deeply committed to the game of football, I want to emphasise my unwavering support for the values championed by UEFA, particularly inclusivity and respect for all individuals regardless of their background.
"These principles lie at the very core of the spirit of football and align seamlessly with my personal beliefs. Moreover, I wholeheartedly condemn any form of hate, discrimination, or intolerance, as they have no place within the sport or society as a whole.
"I also want to highlight my commitment to combating discrimination in football. I was among the first referees in the world, and certainly the first in my country, to apply the "three-step procedure" in response to a serious discriminatory incident during a match in Poland.
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"Moving forward, I pledge to be more vigilant in scrutinising the events and organisations with which I associate myself. I am committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that such lapses in judgment do not occur in the future.
"Lastly, I extend my sincere apologies to the clubs, players, fans, colleagues, officials and organisations who place their trust in me. I fully comprehend that my actions have had repercussions beyond personal disappointment, and I am fully prepared to accept any consequences resulting from my ill-advised participation.
"Thank you for your understanding, and I humbly request an opportunity to make amends and regain your trust through my future actions. Sincerely, Szymon Marciniak."
UEFA say they acknowledged Marciniak's apology and 'reached out' to Never Again - Poland's anti-racism association - who initially raised concerns over his involvement in the Champions League final.
They asked for the referee to remain in his role for for the showcase at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, believing his omission would undermine the work going into anti-discrimination.
