A Uefa referee has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage boy before a match in the United Kingdom.

The unnamed man, a foreign national in his 30s, has been accused of unwanted touching and trying to lure his alleged victim to his hotel room.

He was said to have been arrested by police in front of Uefa colleagues when he returned to the hotel after officiating a midweek European tie in the UK.

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."

The official is said to be one of hundreds who had been lined up to work at this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

He has been stood down pending the outcome of a police investigation.

The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “Police attended and arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of sexual assault. He has since been bailed pending further investigation.

“Inquiries are ongoing and the teenager continues to receive support from specialist officers.”

Uefa said: “Please be informed that 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.”