Two referees have been banned from officiating at UEFA matches until June 2025 after a bizarre 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 after reports of “inappropriate behavior”.

Polish media claimed the two men had been drinking and were caught in the early hours moving a road sign, with Frankowski later confirming details of the incident in an interview.

UEFA’s control, ethics and disciplinary body said on Friday that the two Polish players had been banned for violating “fundamental rules of good conduct” and for bringing the sport into disrepute.

A police spokesperson said at the time that the men were filmed on CCTV cameras carrying the sign and were arrested.

Superintendent Kamil Golebiowski said, according to TVP World, that the men were breathalyzed and found to have alcohol in their system and were subsequently fined.

Frankowski and Musial issued apologetic statements, both saying they cooperated with police without assault, while Musial called the incident “irresponsible and unprofessional.”

Musial added: “I feel very sorry and – in purely human terms – stupid, because I know that my unfortunate behavior will cast a shadow over many years of hard work.

“I am aware of the consequences that await me, but I hope that I can rehabilitate myself and regain your trust.”

Frankowski said: “Throughout my 22 years of refereeing, I have tried to carry out my duties in a professional manner and avoid any stain 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 can one day regain your trust.”

Frankowski and Musial were intended to be the video assistant referee (VAR) and assistant VAR for the Champions League qualifiers, but were replaced by other officials from the Polish Football Federation.

Both men were also suspended by the Polish FA in August.

The match was drawn 1-1. Rangers suffered a 2–0 home defeat the following week, meaning Dynamo won on aggregate.