A UEFA referee has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a boy shortly after flying into the UK to officiate a European match. The high-profile official was taken into custody by authorities, casting a dark shadow over the upcoming continental fixture.

Uefa referee arrested for ‘sex assault of boy’ after flying into the UK to officiate European match

A referee displays a red card with his back to the viewer.
A UEFA referee was arrested for the alleged sexual assault of a boy after he flew to the UK to officiate at a match (stock picture)
Blow-up Trionda 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer ball in New York City.
The official was one of hundreds lined up to work at this summer’s World CupCredit: Reuters

Police launched an investigation after the referee, a foreign national, had left for the midweek game and nicked him in front of shocked UEFA officials when he returned.

A source said: “He’d apparently started talking to a boy in a public section of the hotel.

“He’s accused of touching and groping the boy against his wishes and trying to lure him to his room.

“It’s shocking and totally inappropriate if true.”

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He said the boy, or a pal, reported the incident to police while the accused left to officiate at the game.

The source said: “He came back to the hotel that night.

“As he walked in with the UEFA delegation, police were waiting to arrest him and read him his rights.

“He was taken away and interviewed before being bailed.”

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The source said police could extradite him to the UK if he was charged.

The official was one of hundreds lined up to work at this summer’s World Cup.

Fifa said he would not be considered for any of its competitions as the investigation continues.

UEFA said: “We are monitoring the situation with great concern.

“In the meantime, the official will not be considered for any UEFA competition matches.”

The Met Police said that a man in his 30s was bailed pending an investigation into reports a teenage boy had been sexually assaulted.

SOURCE: THESUN