A UEFA-registered match official has been arrested in the United Kingdom on suspicion of sexual assault against a minor, according to reports from The Sun and The Telegraph. The official, who is in his thirties, was detained by police while on a trip to the UK for a European fixture. He was questioned and later released on bail pending further investigation.
According to the reports, a witness observed the official speaking with a teenage boy before touching him and allegedly encouraging him to follow him to a hotel room. The arrest is said to have taken place in front of the official's colleagues. The individual was reportedly on a list of hundreds of referees being considered for selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but has now been suspended from his duties while the legal process unfolds.
UEFA confirmed it is aware of an ongoing police investigation involving a match official. In a statement, European football's governing body said, "We are monitoring the situation with great concern and will continue to follow developments in the case closely. In the meantime, the official will not be appointed to any upcoming UEFA matches. As this is an ongoing investigation, we will not comment further." The identity of the official and his exact role within UEFA's refereeing structure have not been disclosed.
The arrest comes at a sensitive time for football's governing bodies, which have sought to promote stronger ethical standards and safeguarding protocols. UEFA, in particular, has implemented extensive educational programs for its officials covering conduct and integrity. Any potential breach of these standards, especially one involving criminal allegations, represents a significant reputational challenge for the organization.
The case is now in the hands of UK authorities, and the official's future in football will likely be determined by the outcome of the legal proceedings. For now, his removal from the pool of officials under consideration for major tournaments like the 2026 World Cup underscores the immediate professional consequences of the allegations. The football world will await further developments from the police investigation.
