The DFB has not yet gotten rid of Manuel Gräfe. The former referee does not agree with the age limit of the German Football Association and is claiming damages of 860,000 euros on appeal.
The tug of war started three years ago, when Gräfe was forced to retire as a referee at the age of 47. The referee refereed 289 games in the Bundesliga, but exceeded the DFB age limit. The German Football Association does not use referees aged 48 or older. Gräfe actually wanted to continue for longer and went to court.
Gräfe was vindicated and received compensation of 48,500 euros, but still believes this is insufficient and appealed. A new hearing was scheduled for Thursday, but… Kicker know that the appointment has been canceled for a notable reason. Gräfe did not transfer the advance on the legal costs, which he as plaintiff must pay, on time.
Significant increase
On appeal, Gräfe initially demanded compensation of almost €200,000, but after consultation with his lawyer, that amount was increased to €860,000. This caused the legal costs to increase and therefore also the advance that Gräfe had to pay as a plaintiff. It is not the first time that the hearing has been postponed. That was also the case last summer.
This ensures that the conflict continues. Gräfe believes that not age, but fitness tests should be decisive. The DFB accepted the initial verdict. Because Gräfe appealed, the German Football Association decided to do the same. It is not yet known when the hearing will take place. A new date must first be set for this.
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