Slovenian ref voted second best in the world

Slovenian football referee Slavko Vinčić has been voted the world's second best referee in 2024 by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS), CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

With 86 points, he was second only to French referee Francois Letexier (129 points), who officiated the final of the Euro 2024 between Spain and England.

Vinčić had been chosen for the UEFA Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid this year, and for the Euro 2024 semi-final between Spain and France.

The 45-year-old Maribor native has officiated 35 Champions League games so far.

The IFFHS vote featured football experts and journalists from 90 countries. They picked among 20 shortlisted candidates.

Only one Slovenian has so far received the top honour in the IFFHS selection. Damir Skomina was voted best referee of 2019.