Who is Argentina v France referee Szymon Marciniak, the World Cup final official hit by serious illness

The World Cup final with will be officiated by Pole Szymon Marciniak

Mathew Davies Sport content editor

12:00, 18 Dec 2022

Lisandro Martinez of Argentina protests to referee Szymon Marciniak(Image: Francois Nel/Getty Images)

The biggest sporting event in the world comes to a crescendo on Sunday when Argentina and France meet in the World Cup final.

It's Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappe in what looks to be a mouth-watering clash between the two best teams in the tournament.

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Argentina may have been stunned in their fist game against Saudi Arabia but they rallied brilliantly after, with Messi showing why he is considered the best to have ever played the game.

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Most eyes will be on those two superstars but the men and women in the middle have also caught the attention during the tournament.

This afternoon it will be Poland's Szymon Marciniak who will have the honour of whistling the final.

The 41-year-old was born in Plock and is a former amateur player. He became FIFA listed in 2011 and has officiated numerous Champions League encounters.

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Amazingly, he had to give up refereeing at the last European Champions due to a heart problem 18 months ago.

Speaking about his condition, he said: “I had a very difficult time for the last year and a half.

“I had Tachycardia – it’s a heart illness. In the beginning, it was very difficult for me and I had to stop refereeing.

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“I missed the UEFA European Championship, it was a terrible feeling.

“Now life gives back to me and I cannot stop smiling because it’s a great feeling.”

He has wound a few people up in the past, though. Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel wasn't impressed by his performance when the Blues were beaten by Real Madrid in the Champions League, with a goal chalked off for handball.

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He said: “When you play against Real Madrid, maybe you don’t expect everyone has the courage.

“I felt the little decisions in the first leg and today as well. I didn’t see the goal but I am super disappointed he didn’t come out and check it on it’s own. You should stay the boss and not give the decisions to someone in a chair and who is isolated.”

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