Two referees had been banned from refereeing in UEFA matches until June 2025 due to an extraordinary incident on the morning of a Champions League qualifying match between Rangers and Dynamo Kyiv.
Bartosz Frankowski and Tomasz Musial were replaced as VAR officials ahead of the third qualifying round match in Lublin, Poland, on August 6, due to investigations of “inappropriate behaviour”.
Polish media reports alleged that the couple were drinking and had been banned by police after another man in the early hours had moved a street sign, and Frankowski later confirmed details of the incident in an interview.
UEFA’s control, ethics and disciplinary framework mentioned on Friday have banned the Polish duo for violating “the basic rules of decent conduct” and bringing the sport and UEFA into disrepute.
A police spokesperson mentioned that day that the children were caught in the CCTV cameras carrying the signal and were detained.
Superintendent Kamil Golebiowski said, according to Polish news outlet TVP Global, that the children were breathalyzed and had alcohol in their systems and were then fined.
Frankowski and Musial made statements of apology, and both announced that they cooperated with police without aggression. Musial described the incident as “irresponsible and unprofessional.”
Musial added: “I am very sorry and, in purely human terms, stupid, because I know that my unfortunate behavior will overshadow many years of hard work.
“I am aware of the repercussions that lie ahead, but I hope to be able to rehabilitate myself and rebuild my mind.”
Frankowski said: “Throughout my 22 years as a referee, I have tried to perform my duties in a professional manner and avoid any imperfections in my symbol.
“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 can rebuild your trust one day.”
Frankowski and Musial were due to be the video referee (VAR) and VAR technician for the Champions League qualifying match, but were replaced by alternative officials from the Polish Football Association.
The pair were also suspended by the Polish Federation in August.
The match was usually tied 1-1. Rangers suffered a 2-0 defeat at home, look at the generation assuming Dynamo won into the mix.
