French referee François Letexier (1989) was recently promoted by UEFA to the Elite category, their highest ranking. Letexier reached the First Division in France in 2016. His first match as a referee was on 23 January 2016 between Montpellier and Caen. In 2017, he was already promoted to the FIFA referee list. He refereed his first senior international match on 23 March 2018 between Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina. UEFA rewarded Letexier, who refereed his first French Cup final in May 2021 and his first Champions League match at the end of 2020. The Elite status, effective as of 1 January 2022, will allow him to be selected for the main international competitions, such as World Cups, European Championships or Olympic Games.
François Letexier is recognized in France as the prototype of the modern referee: young, sharp, presenting well, with just the right amount of authority, without being overbearing, smiling without familiarity. "With him, things are going well, he is very open, educated, he establishes a healthy relationship", confided the sporting director of Stade Brestois, Gregory Lorenzi.
Source: Le Telegramme
