[Saba Sports News] According to British Premier League media reports, a UEFA referee has been arrested by the Metropolitan Police in London on suspicion of sexually assaulting an underage boy while traveling to the UK to officiate midweek European matches. He has since been released on bail pending further inquiries. Both FIFA and UEFA have urgently suspended the involved referee’s eligibility to officiate international fixtures. The incident took place during the referee’s stay in the UK for European competitions. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the incident occurred in the common areas of his hotel. The referee allegedly approached and initiated contact with the underage boy, before being accused of making unwanted indecent touches and attempting to lure the minor into his hotel room. The boy reported the incident to the police while the referee was away officiating a match. When the referee returned to the hotel with the UEFA delegation that night, officers were waiting on site. He was arrested immediately, informed of his legal rights, and taken away for questioning. He has now been granted bail and is awaiting a full investigation.
The editor believes that if the allegations are proven true, such behavior is shocking and utterly unacceptable. The involved referee will be suspended from officiating all UEFA matches during the investigation. According to information from the Metropolitan Police, extradition proceedings may be initiated subsequently if formal criminal charges are filed against the referee.