FIFA is “aware of serious charges” following the arrest of a match official by Britain, who will be excluded from the World Cup squad.
Published April 28, 2026
A soccer match official who was set to work at the North American Men’s World Cup was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault at a hotel while in England for the match.
World Cup organizer FIFA said on Tuesday it was “aware of serious allegations” after details of the alleged assault on the teenager were first reported in British daily The Sun.
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“For the time being, this match official will not be considered for matches at any FIFA competition,” soccer’s governing body said in a statement.
FIFA this month announced the list of 52 referees, 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials selected for the 104-match World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
The match official has not been identified in media reports, nor has he been identified in any of the European competitions he has been in charge of for UEFA.
UEFA said: “We are monitoring the situation with great concern and will continue to monitor developments closely.”
UEFA said it would also not select match officials, adding that the alleged incident was part of an “active investigation”.
The Sun reported that the Metropolitan Police had released the man in his 30s on bail.
