Potential World Cup official arrested for alleged sexual assault in British hotel

The World Cup is just weeks away (AFP/Getty)

A football match official who was a potential pick to work at the men’s World Cup in North America this summer was arrested for an alleged sexual assault at a hotel while in Britain for a game.

Tournament organiser Fifa said on Tuesday it was “aware of the serious allegation”, after details of an alleged assault of a teenage boy were first reported by The Sun.

“In the meantime, the match official will not be considered for any Fifa competition matches,” football’s governing body said in a statement.

Fifa published a list earlier this month of 52 referees, 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials selected for the 104-game World Cup being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.

Fifa has said it is ‘aware of the serious allegation’ (Getty)

The match official was not identified in reports, nor was the European competition game he was working at for Uefa.

“We are monitoring the situation with great concern and will continue to follow developments closely,” Uefa said.

Uefa added it also will not be selecting the official for its games, and the alleged incident was part of “an active investigation.”

The Sun reported the Metropolitan Police in London released a man in his 30s on bail.