Polish FA Investigates VAR Official Misconduct Allegations Ahead of Rangers' Champions League Clash

The Polish Football Association (PZPN) has launched an investigation into allegations of "improper behaviour" following a last-minute change of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials for the Champions League third-round qualifying match between Rangers and Dynamo Kyiv.

Originally appointed VAR and assistant VAR for the crucial tie in Lublin, Poland, Bartosz Frankowski and Tomasz Musial were replaced by UEFA just before the match. The sudden change followed reports of an incident involving the two officials on the eve of the game, which reportedly required police intervention.

In a statement, UEFA confirmed that the PZPN's College of Referees will conduct a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the alleged misconduct. "The College of Referees of the Polish FA will carry out a detailed analysis of the situation in connection with reports of improper behaviour of two Ekstraklasa referees who were supposed to work on the qualifying match between Dynamo Kyiv and Rangers," the statement read.

The replacement VAR officials for the game were also drawn from the Polish FA, ensuring continuity in officiating standards despite the last-minute changes.

Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Dynamo Kyiv's 'home' matches are being played in Lublin. The return leg of this tie is set to take place at Hampden Park in Glasgow next Tuesday, as redevelopment work at Ibrox remains incomplete.

The outcome of this qualifying round will see the victorious team advance to face either RB Salzburg or FC Twente in the play-off round, vying for a coveted spot in the 2024-25 Champions League.

The investigation by the Polish FA is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the situation develops.