In Brittany, one of the best referees in the world sent to the district

Very precocious, François Letexier gradually established himself as one of the references in refereeing in Ligue 1. Also dubbed at European level, the Breton referee will nevertheless direct an amateur match on Friday evening.

Often criticized in recent years, French arbitration has really regained color in 2024. The last Euro symbolized this renewal with the good performances of Clément Turpin, designated for the Netherlands-Turkey quarter-final, and especially of François Letexier . The latter had the honor of refereeing the Spain-England final, a first for a Frenchman since Michel Vautrot in 1988. At 35, Letexier naturally established himself as the leader of French refereeing and as a model to promote for the FFF.

François Letexier in district this weekend

This is how instead of being in Ligue 1 this weekend, François Letexier will be on a district pitch. As part of the arbitration days, the international referee will promote his profession on his native land in Brittany. He will direct the district first division match (9th national level) between US Bédée Pleumeleuc and FC Mordelles on Friday at 8 p.m. François Letexier is dismissed from the host club but there is no question of him influencing the result of the match in favor of his favorite team. Questioned by Ouest-France, the opposing captain Clément Chérel is not worried and above all hopes to learn from contact with a whistle now renowned in Europe.

« I didn’t think an international referee would have agreed to do a district match. It was our coach who warned us and at first, I thought it was a joke, but then I saw that the information had been shared on social networks. I’m going to tell him before the match not to do in-house refereeing (laughs). More seriously, this is going to be a great experience. He will be at the heart of the actions and I think he will be able to explain his decisions to us well. I also think that it will allow our “crazy people” not to talk too much (laughs). I think they will be afraid to talk to him. Now, you must not get carried away by the event and not be inhibited by the large audience. This remains an official match that must be won “, he indicated. Enough to give a little taste of the high level to these amateur footballers.