57,000 sign petition to replay World Cup final against Spain over ‘corrupt’ refereeing | OneFootball

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, a Change.org campaign urging a replay of the 19 July World Cup final against Spain has gathered 57,000 signatures, alleging ‘corrupt’ officiating and requesting a different referee in place of the Slovak Slavko Vinčić.

Spain, coached by Luis de la Fuente, defeated Argentina to secure their second world title. The result and several refereeing calls drew significant scrutiny.

In the hours after full time, social media filled with clips, breakdowns and opinions, with many focusing on the most contentious moments of the match.

Supporters behind the petition argue that specific decisions shaped the contest and disadvantaged Argentina at key stages. Despite its visibility, an online petition cannot alter an official FIFA competition result or oblige a review of the tournament outcome.

Some users also resurfaced that in 2020 Vinčić was detained during a police operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, then released after giving a statement. He was never charged with any offence and continued his refereeing career.

Separately, a previous drive sought to exclude Argentina from the next World Cup, and it closed with more than 23 million signatures. It appeared on argentinaout.com, alleging unproven refereeing favouritism towards Argentina during the tournament.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo