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Polish FA Investigates VAR Oversight Ahead of Rangers vs Dynamo Kyiv
The Polish Football Association (FA) has launched an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct tied to a last-minute change of VAR officials for the Champions League qualifying match between Rangers and Dynamo Kyiv.
Originally appointed to oversee the video assistant referee duties, Bartosz Frankowski and Tomasz Musial were unexpectedly replaced by UEFA shortly before the match, which took place in Lublin, Poland.
Reports from Polish media indicate that police may have been called to address an incident that occurred on the night before the game, prompting the officials’ removal from their roles. This situation has raised eyebrows within the football community, as it is rare for such measures to be taken so close to a significant match.
A statement released by UEFA noted, “The College of Referees of the Polish FA will conduct a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the claims of misconduct involving two Ekstraklasa referees who were assigned to the qualifying fixture between Dynamo Kyiv and Rangers.”
The officials who stepped in to replace the original VAR team are also from the Polish FA, ensuring continuity in officiating despite the shake-up.
This match was designated as a ‘home’ game for Kyiv in Lublin due to security concerns stemming from Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine. The return leg of the tie is scheduled to be held at Hampden Park next Tuesday, as renovation work at Ibrox has not been completed.
The winner of this match will advance to face either RB Salzburg or Twente in the upcoming play-off round, making the stakes particularly high amid the controversy.
Source
www.bbc.com