FIFA cuts referee from World Cup amid UK arrest for alleged sexual assault

FIFA Confirms Awareness of Allegation Following UK Arrest of Match Official

A football match official who was considered for World Cup duties has been arrested in the UK on allegations of sexual assault. The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, was taken into custody by the Metropolitan Police in London and released on bail.

According to reports, FIFA is aware of a serious allegation related to the incident. In response, the governing body announced that the match official will no longer be considered for any future FIFA competition matches.

The World Cup, scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 in North America, had previously published a list of selected officials, including referees, assistant referees, and video match officials. The individual in question was among those selected for the tournament.

UEFA has also confirmed that it will not be selecting the official for its games due to the ongoing investigation into the allegations. The European competition governing body stated that the incident is part of an active investigation and is being monitored with great concern.

Details of the alleged assault, which involved a teenage boy, were first reported by British daily The Sun. FIFA has declined to comment further on the matter, citing its policy of not discussing ongoing investigations or allegations.

Source: Al Jazeera