Update: UEFA will not act against far-right referee

Szymon Marciniak has become embroiled in controversy, a week before he is set to referee the Champions League final. The Polish referee delivered a speech at the so-called Everest gathering earlier this week. This gathering promotes the Konfederacja party in the lead-up to the parliamentary elections in Poland. The party is known for its far-right views. UEFA is now launching an investigation.

Later today, the football association will release its statement. The UEFA has declared the following to British and Polish media: "UEFA is aware of the allegations concerning Szymon Marciniak and urgently demands clarification. UEFA and the entire football community abhor the 'values' promoted by this group and take this matter very seriously."

The leader of the Konfederacja party and organizer of the Everest gathering is called Slawomir Mentzen. He is known as a controversial politician. In 2019, he listed the five main points of his political party as follows: "We are against Jews, gays, abortion, taxes, and the European Union." Marciniak spoke at the gathering on Monday. On his Facebook page, Mentzen refers to the referee as "a brilliant speaker".

Poland's largest anti-racism organization, Never Again, calls on Marciniak to publicly distance himself from the ideology of Konfederacja. "We are shocked by Marciniak's involvement with an extreme-right, toxic political party. This is incompatible with the fundamental values of equality and respect. We urge the referee to acknowledge his mistake. If he fails to do so, then UEFA and FIFA will have to ensure consequences," the organization writes.

Marciniak refereed the World Cup final between Argentina and France half a year ago. On Saturday, June 10th, he will be in charge of officiating the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan. The final kicks off at 9:00 PM at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul.