UEFA names François Letexier to referee euro 2024 final
Polish Szymon Marciniak seemed to be the main referee for the Euro 2024 final. However, this did not happen. UEFA has decided that François Letexier will officiate the big match between Spain and England.
England and Spain will battle for gold in the European Championship this coming Sunday, July 14th. UEFA has decided that Szymon Marciniak will not be the main referee for the final in Berlin.
UEFA chose Frenchman François Letexier and his team. For the 39-year-old, this is the most incredible honour in his career. Until now, the most crucial match he had officiated was the 2023 UEFA Super Cup.
After Daniele Orsato was sent to Italy and England advanced to the final, which excluded Michael Oliver from the line-up, Szymon Marciniak was the main favourite to lead Sunday's match. This ultimately did not happen.
Marciniak will only be the technical referee in the Euro final, a decision sure to stir up significant controversy. Spanish experts have stated that they prefer a Polish referee for the match. On the other hand, the French were surprised that their compatriot was even considered for the final.
Euro final not for a Pole
Marciniak had the chance to become the third referee in history to officiate both a World Cup final and a Euro final. So far, this achievement can be claimed by Swiss Gottfried Dienst and Italian Sergio Gonella. The first was the arbitrator of the 1966 World Cup final and the 1968 Euro final. Ten years later, Gonella repeated his feat (1976 Euro and 1978 World Cup).
Szymon Marciniak already has World Cup finals (2022), Champions League finals (2023), Club World Cup finals (2023), and the UEFA Super Cup (2018) on his CV. No currently working referee has completed such a set.
During Euro 2024, Szymon Marciniak officiated group stage matches Croatia - Albania (2:2) and Denmark - Serbia (0:0) as well as the round of 16 match Spain - Georgia (4:1).
