Two referees have been banned from officiating in Uefa matches until June 2025 after a bizarre incident on the morning of a Champions League qualifier between Rangers and Dynamo Kyiv.
Bartosz Frankowski and Tomasz Musial were replaced as VAR officials before the third qualifying round match in Lublin, Poland on 6 August after reports of “improper behaviour”.
Polish media reports alleged the pair had been drinking and were stopped by police with another man in the early hours having moved a road sign, with Frankowski later confirming details of the incident in an interview.
Uefa’s control, ethics and disciplinary body said on Friday the Polish duo were banned for violating “basic rules of decent conduct” and for bringing the sport and Uefa into disrepute.
A police spokesman said at the time that the men had been caught on CCTV cameras carrying the sign and were detained.
Superintendent Kamil Golebiowski said, according to Polish news outlet TVP World, that the men were breathalysed and had alcohol in their systems and were later fined.
Frankowski and Musial released statements of apology, with both saying that they co-operated with the police without aggression while Musial described the incident as “irresponsible and unprofessional”.
Musial added: “I feel very sorry and – in purely human terms – stupid, because I know that my unfortunate behaviour will cast a shadow over many years of hard work.
“I am aware of the consequences that await me, but I hope that I will be able to rehabilitate myself and rebuild your trust.”
Frankowski said: “Throughout my 22 years of refereeing I have tried to discharge my duties professionally and avoid any blemishes on my image.
“I made a terrible mistake that I deeply regret. I will accept the consequences with humility, but at the same time I would like to hope that I will be able to rebuild your trust someday.”
Frankowski and Musial were intended to be the video assistant referee (VAR) and VAR assistant for the Champions League qualifier but were replaced by other officials from the Polish Football Association.
The pair were also suspended by the Polish FA in August.
The match was drawn 1-1. Rangers suffered a 2-0 defeat at home the following week that meant Dynamo won on aggregate.