Champions League referee Slavko Vincic found himself unexpectedly involved in a major police operation in 2020, though he was swiftly exonerated of any connection to criminal activities. The Slovenian official, who is set to oversee the crucial round of 16 second leg between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain this Tuesday, was detained during a business lunch in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of a law enforcement crackdown on a prostitution and drug trafficking network.
Unfortunate Business Meeting Leads to Police Intervention
In May 2020, Vincic was attending a professional meeting in Bosnia and Herzegovina when he accepted an invitation to lunch at a location that would later become the focus of a police raid. The referee explained that he was there strictly for business purposes with his company, but the venue was simultaneously being used by individuals under investigation for serious offences.
"I found myself on this ranch by chance. I have my own company, I was in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a business meeting," Vincic told Slovenian media at the time. "I accepted an invitation to lunch, which turned out to be my biggest mistake. I regret it."
Police Discover Substantial Evidence
During the operation, Bijeljina police conducted thorough searches of the property and vehicles used by the suspects. Authorities reported seizing significant evidence including fourteen packages of cocaine, ten pistols, three suits of body armour, over 10,000 euros in various currencies, along with numerous phones and laptops. The scale of the discovery indicated a substantial organized criminal operation.
Vincic and his business partners were questioned as witnesses following the raid. "I was sitting at a table with my company, all of a sudden the police came and what happened, happened," the referee recounted. "I have nothing to do with the group that was arrested and detained, nor do my business partners."
Swift Clearance and Professional Support
After thorough questioning, police released Vincic without filing any charges against him. Vlado Sajn, president of the Slovenian Football Referees Association, confirmed the referee's innocence, stating: "According to the information we have gathered from official and unofficial sources and from Slavko himself, he is not suspected of anything. No charges have been filed against him."
The 46-year-old official has maintained his elite status in European football despite this incident. Vincic officiated the prestigious 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium, demonstrating the confidence that UEFA continues to place in his professional judgment and integrity.
Recent High-Profile Matches Officiated
Vincic's recent assignments include Chelsea's victory over Barcelona in November, a match that saw Barcelona defender Roland Araujo receive two yellow cards and consequent dismissal during the first half. The Slovenian referee also oversaw Paris Saint-Germain's draw with Newcastle United in January, giving him recent experience with both teams involved in Tuesday's crucial encounter.
As Chelsea prepares to host PSG at Stamford Bridge, the Blues face the challenging task of overturning a three-goal deficit from the first leg. Meanwhile, Vincic's professional focus remains entirely on managing what promises to be a high-pressure Champions League knockout match between two of Europe's most prominent football clubs.
The incident from 2020 serves as a reminder of how even innocent individuals can become inadvertently involved in police operations, though thorough investigation quickly established Vincic's complete lack of connection to the criminal activities being targeted. His professional reputation remains intact as he prepares for one of the most significant matches of the current Champions League campaign.
