Keynote speakers for right-wing extremists
Serious allegations against the referee of the Champions League final
06/01/2023, 10:17 p.m
Big fist scandal in the premier class: Szymon Marciniak is supposed to officiate the Champions League final in Istanbul in nine days, but now a report accuses the Polish referee of being close to right-wing extremists. Marciniak is said to have performed at an event, UEFA is investigating the case.
A good week before the final of the Champions League, allegations against final referee Szymon Marciniak (42) caused a stir. The Pole is said to have appeared as the main speaker at an event held by right-wing populist Slawomir Mentzen last Monday, reports the English “Guardian”. Mentzen is a member of the leadership team of the right-wing extremist and EU-critical alliance Konfederacja.
The European Football Union confirmed its own investigations into the matter to the SID in the evening. “UEFA is aware of the allegations against Szymon Marciniak and is seeking clarification,” it said in a statement. “UEFA and the entire football community abhor the ‘values’ represented by the group in question and take the allegations very seriously .” Another statement will follow on Friday when more information is available.
A few years ago, Mentzen summarized the Konfederacja’s goals as follows: “We want a Poland without Jews, homosexuals, abortions, taxes and the European Union.” In 2021, he made international headlines when he created a beer called “White IPA Matters” that satirized the Black Lives Matter movement.
“Incompatible with the fundamental values of fair play”
Mentzen himself could be seen on a poster of the event that was distributed via social media. Another showed Marciniak wearing a FIFA referee shirt. A post by Mentzen announcing Marciniak’s presence at the event was shared on Marciniak’s Facebook fan page.
Marciniak’s participation in the event was first reported by the anti-racist organization never again announced. Rafal Pankowski, the organization’s co-founder, told the Guardian: “We are shocked and appalled by Marciniak’s public association with Mentzen and his brand of toxic far-right politics.” The referee’s action was “incompatible with the fundamental values of fair play, such as equality and respect,” added Pankowski.
Marciniak is still scheduled to referee the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan on June 10 in Istanbul. The 42-year-old has been one of the most respected referees for years, last winter he officiated the World Cup final between world champions Argentina and France in Qatar.