Two referees have been banned from refereeing 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 ahead of the third match of the preliminary round in Lublin, Poland, on 6 August after reports of “inappropriate behaviour”.

Polish media reports claimed the pair had been drinking and were caught in the early hours after 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 Polish pair had been banned for breaching “basic rules of decent conduct” and bringing the sport into disrepute.

A police spokesman said at the time that the men were caught on CCTV carrying the sign and were detained.

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

Frankowski and Musial released statements of apology, both saying they cooperated with police without aggression, while Musial described the incident as “irresponsible and unprofessional.”

Musial added: “I am very sorry and – in purely human terms – stupid, because I know 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 will be able to recover and regain your trust.”

Frankowski said: “Throughout my 22 years of refereeing, I have tried to perform my duties professionally and avoid any blemish on my image.

“I made a terrible mistake that I deeply regret. I will humbly accept the consequences, but at the same time I would like to hope that I can rebuild your trust someday.”

Frankowski and Musial were to be video assistant referee (VAR) and VAR assistant for Champions League qualification, 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 tied 1-1. Rangers suffered a 2–0 defeat at home the following week, which meant Dynamo won on aggregate.