UEFA has made its stance clear regarding Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, following widespread criticism over his officiating during the Champions League semi-final second leg between Barcelona and Inter Milan on Wednesday evening.
The match, which ended unfavorably for Barcelona, has led to an uproar in Catalonia, with many blaming Marciniak for a series of contentious decisions that they believe contributed to the club’s elimination.
The controversy intensified after Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta, head coach Hansi Flick, and players like Pedri, Ronald Araújo, and Gavi openly expressed their displeasure with the referee’s performance.
They argued that several critical calls went against Barcelona at decisive moments in the game, affecting the final outcome. The backlash in Catalonia was swift and strong, with both fans and media outlets holding Marciniak accountable for what they described as a “refereeing disaster.”
In response to the growing criticism, Spanish sports daily Marca reached out to UEFA to inquire about their official position on the matter and whether any concerns had been raised internally about the Polish official’s handling of the high-stakes encounter.
UEFA’s reply was firm and unambiguous, stating there was “no problem” with Marciniak’s officiating. The governing body confirmed it held no doubts regarding his decisions in the match, signaling full confidence in the referee despite the heavy backlash from Barcelona’s camp.
Furthermore, Marca reported that Paris Saint-Germain’s progression to the Champions League final, where they are set to face Inter Milan, might pave the way for Marciniak to officiate the final in Munich.
This would potentially see him replace Clément Turpin, the French referee widely regarded as the top official in the world at the moment. Such a decision would reflect UEFA’s continued faith in Marciniak’s abilities on the big stage, regardless of recent controversies.
In addition to his potential Champions League final appointment, Marciniak is also being considered for a key role in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States next summer. He remains a favored choice for both UEFA and FIFA, who view him as one of the most reliable referees for crucial international fixtures.
Despite the uproar in Catalonia, Marciniak’s standing within Europe’s football authorities appears unaffected.
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