UEFA will allow Szymon Marciniak to keep his role as referee of the Champions League final, despite being investigated by the organisation for attending an event that was organised by a far-right Polish politician.
The politician in question is the leader of the Confederation party Sławomir Mentzen, who also spoke at the event, and whose party are known for the political slogan "We stand against Jews, gays, abortion, taxation and the European Union”.
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.
Champions League Final Referee Criticised By UEFA
I’m obviously happy that Marciniak will referee the CL final, but I am disappointed by his apology.
He attended a business conference and spoke about his career and success - he has NOTHING to apologise for.
Apologising was both dishonest and cowardly.pic.twitter.com/P8SveAvISV— Stefan Tompson (@StefanTompson) June 2, 2023
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Concerns over Marciniak's involvement were initially raised by the 'NEVERAGAIN' NGO, who stand against discrimination in Europe.
However, despite raising the concerns, they requested that Marciniak remain in his role for the Champions League final.
"(They) raised the initial concerns about Mr Marciniak's involvement in the event," UEFA said.
"They requested that Mr Marciniak remain in his role as the referee for the upcoming UEFA Champions League final, firmly asserting that removing him would undermine the promotion of anti-discrimination."
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