UEFA Bans Two Polish Referees for 'Terrible Mistake'
According to a police spokesperson, the two men were caught on CCTV carrying the road sign and were subsequently stopped by officers. Superintendent Kamil Golebiowski informed Polish news outlet TVP World that the referees were breathalyzed and found to have alcohol in their systems, resulting in fines for their behaviour.
Two Polish referees have received a ban from officiating in UEFA matches until June 2025 due to an unusual incident that occurred on the morning of a Champions League qualifier between Rangers and Dynamo Kyiv. Bartosz Frankowski and Tomasz Musial were replaced as VAR officials for the third qualifying round match in Lublin, Poland, on August 6 after reports of "improper behaviour" emerged.
Polish media reported that the referees had been drinking and were detained by police in the early hours after being seen moving a road sign with another individual. Frankowski later confirmed the details of the incident in an interview. UEFA's control, ethics, and disciplinary body announced on Friday that the referees had been banned for violating "basic rules of decent conduct" and for bringing disrepute to the sport and UEFA.
Both Frankowski and Musial issued statements of apology. Musial described the incident as "irresponsible and unprofessional," expressing regret for how his actions might tarnish years of hard work. "I feel very sorry and—on a purely human level—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," he stated.
Frankowski also expressed remorse, stating, "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."
Initially set to serve as the video assistant referee (VAR) and VAR assistant for the Champions League qualifier, Frankowski and Musial were replaced by other officials from the Polish Football Association. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but Rangers later suffered a 2-0 defeat at home in the return leg, resulting in Dynamo Kyiv winning on aggregate. The Polish FA also suspended the referees in August, underscoring the seriousness of their actions.
