Potential World Cup official arrested for alleged sexual assault in British hotel
A football match official potentially selected for the 2026 Men's World Cup in North America has been arrested in the UK over an alleged sexual assault involving a teenage boy. FIFA and UEFA have both acknowledged the allegations and confirmed the official will not be assigned to any upcoming tournament matches. The individual, not publicly identified, was released on bail as the investigation remains active. The World Cup is set to begin on 11 June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- ▪A match official potentially selected for the 2026 World Cup was arrested in Britain over an alleged sexual assault of a teenage boy.
- ▪FIFA stated it is aware of the allegations and will not assign the official to any World Cup matches.
- ▪UEFA also confirmed it will not select the official while the investigation is ongoing.
- ▪The Metropolitan Police have released the man in his 30s on bail as the case remains under active investigation.
- ▪The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
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NewsUKCrimePotential World Cup official arrested for alleged sexual assault in British hotelThe World Cup is due to take place in the US, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 JulyAp Correspondent Tuesday 28 April 2026 15:11 BSTBookmarkBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":false,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2966487","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/world-cup-official-arrested-sexual-assault-hotel-b2966487.html","title":"Potential World Cup official arrested for alleged sexual assault in British hotel"}}open image in gallery{"id":"trigger-autogallery-32696","index":0}The World Cup is…
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