With what is sure to be a closely contested match in a fervent atmosphere at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in Seville on Wednesday night, the referee will be a big factor in the contest, with his ability to control proceedings crucial. That man is Slovenian telecommunications engineer Slavko Vinčić.
The 42-year-old will complete a Europa League final hat-trick in the match between Rangers and Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, having previously been part of a team of officials for two finals in the competition. He was the fourth official in last year's final when Manchester United were defeated by Villareal in Gdansk while also being an additional assistant in 2017's final between Manchester United and Ajax.
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The father of two credits his uncle for encouraging his refereeing career and in an interview with UEFA, he spoke of his pride and the challenge he expects in the heat of Andalusia. He explained: “I’m full of emotion, pride and happiness,” he says of the momentous occasion. “And I’m also aware of the great sense of responsibility.”
“Now,” he adds, “it’s important to keep myself on solid ground, focus and prepare mentally and physically together with my team, so that we’re totally ready for the challenge of this final.”
He has been an official FIFA referee since 2010 and was selected for EURO 2020, officiating the Quarter final between Italy and Belgium and will be joined by fellow Slovenes Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič as his assistants as well as a large team of video assistant referees.
