UEFA has reaffirmed its full confidence in Polish referee Szymon Marciniak following recent scrutiny of his performance during a Champions League fixture at the San Siro. The governing body saw “no problem” with the 43-year-old’s handling of the match, as confirmed by a UEFA spokesperson in a statement to Spanish newspaper MARCA.
Marciniak, widely regarded as one of the top referees in world football, has been at the centre of online debate following the San Siro clash, though UEFA’s swift and clear endorsement puts to rest any suggestions of concern. The Pole, who officiated both the 2022 FIFA World Cup final and last season’s UEFA Champions League final, remains firmly in contention to referee this year’s final between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
His candidacy for the showpiece in London has been strengthened by the absence of French referee Clément Turpin, who is unavailable for selection due to PSG’s involvement. Marciniak is also expected to feature prominently at the upcoming expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer.
Marciniak’s career statistics underscore the level of trust UEFA has placed in him over the years. To date, he has taken charge of 674 matches across domestic, continental, and international competitions. His record includes 2,744 yellow cards, 81 second-yellow dismissals, 74 straight red cards, and 286 penalties awarded.
However, recent days have not been without controversy. The veteran official was the subject of fabricated quotes that circulated online, suggesting he had given a post-match interview in which he allegedly responded to criticism from FC Barcelona officials. The quotes were first published by a Middle Eastern media outlet and subsequently picked up by several Spanish platforms.
Polish sports outlet Przegląd Sportowy Onet quickly moved to debunk the story, quoting Marciniak himself in denying any such interview took place. “The statements published by the Egyptian and Spanish media, which resonated strongly on social media, turned out to be a big lie,” the outlet reported. “A referee is not allowed to make post-match comments about decisions he has made. As Szymon Marciniak himself informed us, no such statement took place.”
The clarification brings an end to what appears to have been a manufactured controversy, and UEFA’s continued trust in Marciniak will come as a relief to both the official and the wider refereeing community. With major fixtures still ahead this season, including the Champions League final and the Club World Cup, Marciniak remains one of the foremost names in European officiating.
