All French officiating team appointed for Rangers Champions League Playoff

Rangers v Club Brugge - Pre-Season Friendly
Rangers v Club Brugge - Pre-Season Friendly | Ian MacNicol/GettyImages

French referee François Letexier will take charge of Rangers’ crucial UEFA Champions League playoff clash against Club Brugge at Ibrox.

Letexier brings a wealth of experience at the highest levels of football, having officiated in the Champions League, Europa League, FIFA Club World Cup, European Championship, Nations League, and Ligue 1.

His extensive resume makes him one of Europe’s most respected referees, and he will be tasked with managing what promises to be a high-intensity encounter.

Letexier is no stranger to Rangers’ European adventures. He last refereed the club in April 2022 during the Europa League quarter-final against Braga at Ibrox.

That fixture ended 3-1 in favour of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side after extra time, but it was far from straightforward. In that match, Letexier showed his willingness to make big decisions under pressure, sending off two Braga players and awarding Rangers a penalty following VAR interventions.

His ability to manage tense situations will be crucial as Rangers face a competitive and experienced Club Brugge side.


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Assisting Letexier on the sidelines will be fellow French officials Cyril Mugnier and Mehdi Rahmouni, while Thomas Leonard will serve as the fourth official.

Overseeing video assistant referee duties is Willy Delajod, another Frenchman, with Eric Wattellier acting as his assistant.

The all-French officiating team brings a level of familiarity and cohesion that should help maintain control in what could be a physically and tactically demanding fixture.

Letexier’s appointment underscores UEFA’s confidence in his capability to handle high-stakes European matches, and Rangers will hope that the referee’s decisions remain fair and consistent throughout the match.

With their UEFA Champions League spot hanging in the balance, the Ibrox side will need to combine sharpness, discipline, and intensity to navigate both the challenges posed by their opponents and the scrutiny of the officials.

Referee: François Letexier
AR1: Cyril Mugnier
AR2: Mehdi Rahmouni
Fourth Official: Thomas Leonard 
VAR: Willy Delajod
VAR AS: Eric Wattellier