A UEFA referee has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage boy. 

The official was accused of unwanted touching and trying to entice the boy to his hotel room before a European clash in the UK, which he had flown in to officiate.

The referee, a foreign national, had left for the midweek game and was arrested in front of other UEFA officials when he returned. Police are now investigating.

A source told the Sun: ‘He’d apparently started talking to a boy in a public section of the hotel. 

'He’s accused of touching and groping the boy against his wishes and trying to lure him to his room. It’s shocking and totally inappropriate if true.'

He said the incident was reported to police while the accused left to officiate at the game.

The official had been lined up to work at the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.

UEFA told Daily Mail Sport: ‘We are aware of an ongoing police investigation involving a match official.

'We are monitoring the situation with great concern and will continue to follow developments closely. In the meantime, the official will not be considered for any UEFA competition matches.

'As this is an active investigation, we will not be commenting further at this stage.'

The Met Police confirmed to the publication that a man in his 30s was bailed pending an investigation.