The Polish referee who also officiated the Manchester City versus Real Madrid clash took part in an event named Everest on May 29.
Szymon Marciniak has enjoyed a remarkable season in football. He refereed the World Cup final in Qatar in 2022 and later oversaw the club rivalry between Manchester City and Real Madrid that defined many people’s view of the season. He was also slated to handle the 2023 Champions League final. In recent days, however, he faced an outdoor sports matter that led to an apology from him and an ongoing review by football authorities.
On May 29 he participated in an event organized in Katowice that has drawn criticism for ties to far-right ideology. UEFA issued a formal edition of its findings and regrets regarding the referee’s involvement, stressing that the organization and the wider football community treat the matter with seriousness. The statement noted that relevant information would be gathered and clarification sought promptly in response to the concerns raised.
Following a thorough review, UEFA received a statement from Mr. Marciniak in which he expressed sincere apologies and clarified his participation in the event. The aim was to address public concerns and ensure transparency about the situation.
UEFA issued a public update regarding Szymon Marciniak with a brief message from the organization.
—UEFA (UEFA) June 2, 2023
Marciniak’s statement
He stated that the message should reach all concerned parties, especially those who felt alarm or disappointment about his attendance at the Everest event in Katowice on May 29, 2023. He apologized for his participation and for any distress it caused.
He added that he had been misled and remained unaware of the event’s true nature and affiliations. He said he would have declined the invitation if he had known about ties to a far-right Polish movement. He stressed that the movement’s values contradict his personal beliefs and the principles he seeks to uphold in life. He expressed remorse for any impression that his attendance could have contradicted those values.
As a professional devoted to football, he emphasized support for the values championed by UEFA, notably inclusion and respect for all people regardless of origin. He asserted that these principles lie at the heart of football’s spirit and align with his own beliefs. He condemned any form of hatred, discrimination, or intolerance as incompatible with sport and society.
Marciniak highlighted his commitment to fighting discrimination in football and pointed to his early use of a three-step procedure following a serious discriminatory incident during a Polish match. He pledged to exercise greater vigilance in researching events and organizations he associates with and to learn from this experience so such mistakes do not recur.
He offered sincere apologies to clubs, players, fans, colleagues, officials, and organizations that place their trust in him, acknowledging that his actions carried consequences beyond personal disappointment and that he was prepared to accept any resulting consequences. He concluded by asking for understanding and a chance to prove his commitment through future actions.
The statement closed with a heartfelt note of thanks and a request for an opportunity to regain trust through responsible conduct going forward.
Goal is the cited source for the event details and Marcelo Marciniak’s statements. (Goal)