The Saudi Arabian Football Federation's Referees Committee has assigned French international referee François Letixterre League. This move reflects the Federation's commitment to attracting top international refereeing talent to manage major and sensitive matches in the Kingdom. This will be Letixterre's first appearance in Saudi stadiums, as he has not previously officiated a Saudi league match in recent seasons, adding a special dimension and heightening anticipation for his performance in this highly anticipated clash.
An upward trajectory towards the European elite
François Letexier began his refereeing career in the French Ligue 1 in 2016, and quickly attracted attention thanks to his strong personality and decisive decisions, which qualified him to join the international list of elite referees in 2017. Since then, Letexier has become a familiar face in European stadiums, as he is characterized by high physical fitness and the ability to manage charged matches calmly and confidently, which has made him a favorite choice of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) in recent years.
A proven track record of major appointments
Letixxer boasts an impressive record filled with high-profile matches, cementing his status as one of Europe's top referees. His international debut came in March 2018 when he officiated the match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bulgaria. His successes continued, culminating in 2024 when he was chosen to referee the UEFA Euro 2024 final between Spain and England – a testament to the high level of trust placed in him. He also officiated the 2023 UEFA Super Cup final between Manchester City and Sevilla, as well as crucial Champions League matches and the Euro 2020 Round of 16 clash between Spain and Georgia.
General context and the importance of polarization
The appointment of Letkser comes as part of the Saudi Professional League's strategy to raise the level of refereeing fairness and keep pace with the league's tremendous development in attracting international stars. Derby matches, and specifically the Riyadh derby, are no longer just local competitions; they have become a focus of global attention. This necessitates having a referee of Letkser's caliber and experience to ensure the match is conducted according to the highest international standards and to minimize impactful errors amidst the fierce competition for the top spot in the standings.
