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Uefa announces decision on Champions League final referee amid far-right political controversy

Champions League final referee Szymon Marciniak has apologised for attending a far-right political event in Poland.

The Polish official was a speaker at an event organised by Polish far-right leader Slawomir Mentzen, which prompted calls for him to be axed and a UEFA investigation. The governing body confirmed the 42-year-old, who officiated the World Cup final in Qatar last winter, will still referee the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan in Istanbul next weekend.

UEFA said the allegations against Marciniak had been taken with the utmost seriousness and that they and the entire football community rejected the values promoted at the conference.

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Marciniak said in a statement: “I hope this statement will find its way to all those concerned, particularly the individuals who were rightfully alarmed and disappointed by my participation in the 'Everest' event organised in Katowice on 29 May 2023. I want to express my deepest apologies for my involvement and any distress or harm it may have caused.

“Upon reflection and further investigation, it has become evident that I was gravely misled and completely unaware of the true nature and affiliations of the event in question. I had no knowledge that it was associated a Polish extreme-right movement. Had I been aware of this fact, I would have categorically declined the invitation.

“It is important to understand that the values promoted by this movement are entirely contrary to my personal beliefs and the principles I strive to uphold in my life. I am deeply remorseful for any perception that my participation may have contradicted them.

“As a professional deeply committed to the game of football, I want to

Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk