Champions League final referee Szymon Marciniak has been put under investigation by UEFA, with his recent alleged speech at a 'far-right event' coming under scrutiny. Marciniak, 42, is reported to have been a keynote speaker at an event organised by a far-right politician. Having already been announced as the selected referee for UEFA's showpiece event on Monday May 22, Marciniak is claimed to have spoken at the event organised by organised by Sławomir Mentzen a week later. Mentzen is the chairman of Poland's right-wing populist New Hope party and is also one of the leaders of the Confederation party. He is known for coining the political slogan: “We stand against Jews, gays,
abortion, taxation and the
European Union ”.
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Arsenal battle Bayern Munich Anti-racist activists in Poland claim that the event attended by Marciniak, which went under the title “Everest”, was organised to gain political support, although it had been originally billed as a 'networking event'. Marciniak, meanwhile, is thought to have spoken about his career as a referee rather than on political issues. UEFA have responded with a statement, reported by the Daily Mail, which reads: "UEFA is aware of the allegations surrounding Szymon Marciniak and is seeking urgent clarification," a statement read. 'UEFA and the whole
Football community abhor the 'values' that are promoted by the group in question and takes these allegations very seriously. "A further announcement will be made tomorrow [Friday], after reviewing all the evidence." The
Champions League final between Man City and Inter Milan takes place in a week's time on Saturday June 10, and will be hosted in Turkey's Ataturk Stadium. It will be held alongside UEFA's anti-discrimination 'respect' slogan, which will be worn on the sleeve of all players and match officials, including Marciniak. Marciniak was praised for his
World Cup final performance ( Image: (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)) His attendance at the event was originally highlighted by The Never Again Group , with the organisation’s co-founder, Rafał Pankowski, saying: "Marciniak 'reportedly 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. It is incompatible with the basic values of fair play such as equality and respect.” Marciniak is renowned as one of the best referees in the game, with his role as World Cup final referee as well as his Champions League final selection an endorsement of his officiating. He could now face a removal from next Saturday's final amid consideration of recent events as UEFA look to come to a swift decision. However, Pankowski said Never Again were not advocating for his removal from the fixture, but just for his acknowledgement of his error. The anti-racist organisation later posted a statement from
Twitter in Polish , claiming to be from Marciniak, in which he 'always distanced himself from
racism, antisemitism and intolerance', as reported by Associated Press .