Tomaszewski hits out at Vincic award and warns Lewandowski

Jan Tomaszewski has delivered a scathing verdict on two high-profile football talking points, criticising the decision to name Slavko Vincic the best referee of the 2026 World Cup and urging Robert Lewandowski to change his approach following his MLS debut.

Tomaszewski rejects IFFHS verdict on Vincic

The former Poland goalkeeper reacted angrily to the International Federation of Football History and Statistics naming Vincic as the outstanding referee of the 2026 World Cup. The Slovenian official had already been entrusted with the tournament final between Spain and Argentina, but Tomaszewski made clear he did not agree with the acclaim that followed.

Speaking to Super Express, Tomaszewski used heavy sarcasm to underline his frustration, mocking the idea that Vincic should now be considered one of the greatest referees in the history of the World Cup, if not world football altogether.

His central complaint was that the final was not handled in the calm and controlled manner expected of a referee on the biggest stage. Tomaszewski argued that Vincic failed to keep order and suggested the match descended into unnecessary chaos.

Strong criticism of the World Cup final display

Tomaszewski's criticism went beyond the award itself and focused on Vincic's performance in the final. He portrayed the Slovenian as a disruptive presence and claimed the game lost its footballing shape under his watch.

In his assessment, the contest between Spain and Argentina became overly confrontational, with Tomaszewski arguing that the referee did not manage key moments effectively. He also questioned the judgement of those responsible for selecting Vincic for the honour, making it clear he viewed the decision as deeply misguided.

The remarks continue a broader theme around Vincic, whose work, according to the source material, has attracted controversy for some time despite repeated appointments to major matches and recognition from football authorities.

Lewandowski told to focus on goals in MLS

Tomaszewski also turned his attention to Lewandowski after the striker's debut in MLS. The Poland captain played 62 minutes as Chicago Fire lost 3-2 to Inter Miami, having watched the World Cup final from the stands.

His message was direct: Lewandowski should strip his game back to its essentials. Tomaszewski argued that the forward's years at Barcelona had burdened him with habits that take him too far from his main strength inside the penalty area.

He described those years as a kind of "curse of Barcelona", claiming Lewandowski had been drawn into roles that do not suit a player of his profile. In Tomaszewski's view, the striker should not be dropping deep or expending energy in areas that reduce his effectiveness in front of goal.

Instead, he said Lewandowski's quality lies in instinct, movement and finishing, and that his focus should remain on scoring rather than contributing across multiple phases of play.

A familiar bluntness from Tomaszewski

Tomaszewski has long been known for outspoken opinions, and this latest intervention followed that pattern. Whether discussing refereeing standards at a World Cup final or the role of Poland's biggest modern star, he offered little room for nuance.

What is clear is that he sees both issues in simple terms: elite referees must control the biggest matches, and elite strikers must be allowed to do what they do best. In Vincic and Lewandowski, Tomaszewski found two prominent examples through which to make that point.