Recent controversies surrounding referee Tobias Reichel have reignited discussions about the professionalization of officiating in football. Coaches like Dietmar Kühbauer and Niko Kovac emphasize the need for referees to be fully dedicated professionals, given the high stakes involved. Criticism has mounted over questionable penalty decisions and a lack of VAR intervention, prompting calls for improved training and accountability. Advocates argue that enhancing the status and support for referees could lead to better decision-making and overall standards in the Bundesliga.
Referee Controversies Spark Calls for Professionalization
This past weekend in Sinsheim, many fans and experts were left scratching their heads over the decisions made by referee Tobias Reichel. His questionable calls have become a recurring theme, prompting a much-needed discussion on how to enhance the officiating of football matches in the future. An old proposal for professional referees is gaining momentum once again!
After a match that showcased another glaring error by a referee, Austrian coach Dietmar Kühbauer expressed his frustration, stating, “I can no longer hear the ‘to err is human’ story.” He emphasized the dedication of players, who invest significant time and effort, highlighting the financial stakes involved in professional football. This sentiment resonates not only in Austria but also in Germany, where the debate over the necessity of professional referees has lingered without any substantial action taken.
The Case for Professional Referees
Dr. Matthias Jöllenbeck, a referee based in Freiburg, also works as an accident surgeon, while Sven Jablonski balances his officiating duties with a banking career in Bremen. Tobias Reichel, a Bundesliga referee since 2021, comes from a marketing background. This duality of careers raises eyebrows, particularly for Borussia Dortmund’s coach, Niko Kovac, who notes, “At this level, where so much money is on the line and every detail matters, I expect Germany to have dedicated professional referees who can make a living from it.”
The weekend’s matches once again underscored the urgent need for discussions about the professionalization of refereeing. Reichel’s controversial penalty decisions in the TSG Hoffenheim versus FC Augsburg match left audiences bewildered and frustrated. Sky expert Dietmar Hamann voiced his outrage, stating, “To give such a penalty is an outrage. This is Bundesliga; we cannot allow this.” The lack of VAR intervention in these moments raises further concerns, especially since Reichel has faced criticism for similar handball calls in previous matches.
Kovac previously pointed out an unsettling reality when he remarked on meeting a referee who juggles a 20-hour workweek outside of officiating. He has long advocated for referees to be fully dedicated to their role to ensure they can focus exclusively on the game. Former referee Urs Meier echoes this sentiment, declaring that the Bundesliga should not have amateur officials when the stakes are so high. He argues for the creation of a dedicated referee team, complete with coaches, fitness trainers, psychologists, and the resources needed for comprehensive training and analysis.
Following the match, Alex Feuerherdt from DFB Schiri GmbH acknowledged the incorrect penalty decision, emphasizing the need for accountability. However, the pressing question for football fans remains: What steps will be taken to prevent further controversial calls like Reichel’s alleged handball decisions?
Kovac believes that implementing professional referees could lead to significant improvements. “Each referee would have their own analyst, and the association could facilitate discussions about matchday scenes and improve overall standards,” he explains. By aligning referees through structured training during their “free” time, the inconsistencies in officiating could be addressed effectively.
Interestingly, the financial compensation for referees is already at a level that could support them full-time. As of this season, Tobias Reichel earned 138,400 euros, which includes a base salary of 68,000 euros. Considering the potential to raise the age limit for referees (currently 47 years) as part of this professional shift, the idea is not as far-fetched as it may seem. Action is necessary, as the sentiment expressed by Didi Hamann—”This is Bundesliga; we cannot allow this”—is a sentiment that resonates with the vast majority of football fans.