Slavko Vinčić to Officiate Fenerbahçe vs Galatasaray Derby
Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić has been appointed to officiate the highly anticipated clash between Turkey’s fierce rivals, Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray.
This season, officiating in the Turkish Super Lig has been a hot topic of controversy, leading both clubs to request a foreign referee for the high-stakes derby. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) granted their request, confirming Vinčić as the match referee for Monday’s showdown.
A highly experienced official, the 45-year-old Vinčić has officiated at major tournaments, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as well as the UEFA Euro 2020 and 2024 editions. He has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2010.
Vinčić has officiated in top leagues across Europe, including Slovenia’s premier competition. Most notably, he was the referee for last season’s UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
Fenerbahçe head coach José Mourinho has been vocal about his concerns regarding refereeing in Turkey, frequently criticizing alleged bias toward league leaders Galatasaray. Many other teams have also raised similar complaints.
Welcoming the decision, Mourinho expressed his approval of appointing a top-tier foreign referee for such a crucial match.
Currently, Galatasaray leads the Turkish Super Lig with 63 points, while Fenerbahçe trails in second place with 57 points.
