Marciniak, referee of the Champions League final, apologizes for his dealings with the far right

the Polish referee Szymon Marciniak experience an incredible season in the sport: He refereed the final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, also what has been the game of the season at club level so far, Manchester City – Real Madrid; and will be in charge of the 2023 Champions League final. However, in recent days they have littered him with an outdoor sports issue for which he has had to apologize.

on May 29 participated in an event called ‘Everest’; organized in Katowice and far-right ideology. Therefore, heUEFA has one Edition including the referee’s regret:

“UEFA has been diligently investigating the allegations surrounding Szymon Marciniak’s participation in an event hosted in Katowice on May 29, 2023. UEFA and the entire football community take these allegations extremely seriously as we unequivocally reject the values ​​promoted by a group associated with this conference Yesterday we committed to collect all relevant information and urgently seek clarification on this matter.

After thorough investigation, we have received a statement from Mr. Marciniak expressing his sincerest apologies and clarifying his participation in the event. We believe it is crucial to share your statement to address concerns and ensure transparency.”

Marciniak’s words

“I hope this statement reaches all concerned, especially people who were rightly alarmed and disappointed by my participation in the ‘Everest’ event organized in Katowice on May 29, 2023. I would like to sincerely apologize for my participation and any distress or damage you have caused.

After further reflection and investigation, it is found that he had been seriously misled and completely unaware of the true nature and affinities of the event in question. I didn’t know he had ties to a far-right Polish movement. Had I been aware of this, I would have categorically declined the invitation. It is important to understand that the values ​​that this movement promotes are totally contrary to my personal beliefs and the principles that I try to uphold in my life. I am deeply sorry for any perception that my participation would have contradicted them.

As a professional footballer very dedicated to football, I would like to emphasize my unwavering support for the values ​​championed by UEFA, especially inclusion and respect for all people, regardless of their origin. These principles are at the heart of the spirit of football and are perfectly in line with my personal beliefs. Furthermore, I strongly condemn any form of hatred, discrimination or intolerance as they have no place in sport or in society as a whole.

I would also like to emphasize my commitment to the fight against discrimination in football. I was one of the first referees in the world, and certainly the first in my country, to apply the “three-step procedure” following a serious discriminatory incident during a match in Poland.

I promise to be more vigilant in the future in researching the events and organizations I associate with. I am determined to learn from this experience and ensure that such errors of judgment do not occur in the future.

Finally, I offer my sincere apologies to the clubs, players, fans, colleagues, officials and organizations who place their trust in me. I fully understand that my actions have had consequences beyond personal disappointment, and I am fully willing to accept any consequences that arise from my thoughtless participation.

Thank you for your understanding and I humbly request a chance to make amends and regain your trust through my future actions.

Honestly,

Szymon Marciniak”