It’s just a matter of time. Two of Europe’s most formidable forces, Spain and France, will be out having a dance with destiny at the Allianz Arena to get their ticket to the finale of UEFA Euro 2024. With the stakes already high for the clash, fair officiating is required. And taking this job will be Slavko Vincic, a referee who has been involved in a major controversy that even saw him face backlash from Jurgen Klopp.

Hailing from Slovenia, he has been enlisted as FIFA’s international referee since 2010. This won’t be the first time Vincic is officiating the European tournament after having worked as an assistant official at Euro 2012, which Spain won. His recent work was in the previous edition of the Euro 2020, working in three matches. Additionally, the 44-year-old also got a chance to handle two matches at the 2022 World Cup. While this is the first time he is officiating a match between Spain and France, he has worked with either team before.

Throughout his referring career, Vincic has overseen La Roja over four times which includes this year’s group stage match and the 2022 Nations League semifinal against Italy, last edition’s Euro group stage match against Sweden, and a friendly against Colombia in 2017. As for Les Blues, Vincic has overseen them on three occasions including a 2021 World Cup Qualifier against Ukraine, a 2019 Euro Qualifier against Albania, and a friendly match against Armenia back in 2015. This year, he was also in charge of the Hungary vs Switzerland group-stage match.

Notably, Vincic’s refereeing group includes fellow Slovenian assistant referees, Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic. Slovakia’s Ivan Kruzliak takes the fourth official role with VAR being monitored by Nejc Kajtazovic, who will be assisted by Italian duo Paolo Valeri and Massimiliano Irrati.

While Vincic’s experience makes him a qualified man for a job, might we interest you in knowing one of his past controversies?

The referee for Spain vs France was once slammed by Jurgen Klopp and Carlo Ancelotti

Manchester City thrashed RB Leipzig 7-0 during the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League RO16 2nd leg. Interestingly, one moment saw referee Slavko Vincic, advised by Spanish official Hernandez Hernandez, review an incident involving rival star Benjamin Henricks. Despite no appeals and Henricks having his back to the play when the ball struck his arm, a penalty was awarded. This left Jurgen Klopp baffled alongside Carlo Ancelotti.

After Real Madrid knocked out Liverpool, the two iconic bosses questioned Vincic’s decision to extend the incident with what they deemed an unnecessary VAR review. “We agree that it was not a hand, we have talked about the penalty yesterday that was crazy, really, the penalty against Leipzig… be careful with this because this is not football,” revealed Carlo from his post-match discussion with Klopp.

Furthermore, back in 2020, Vincic was caught up in another major scandal. He was present at a raided party in Bosnia and Herzegovina involving drugs and prostitution. However, it was later clarified that the referee was there for a business meeting and accepted a lunch invitation. He wasn’t accused or involved in any wrongdoing as well.