The long-time Bundesliga referee Manuel Gräfe wants to take legal action against the German Football Association.
"I am suing the DFB for age discrimination," announced Graefe in an interview with "Zeit Magazin".
“The DFB takes away what I enjoy.
Of course there are also financial losses, I will try to assert at least these. "
Gräfe had to end his career at the end of last season despite very good performances because he had reached the age limit of 47 years set by the DFB.
“I would have liked to continue.
My feet, knees, and hips are fine.
But the DFB insists on an age-old guideline, "complained the Berliner and emphasized:" I feel as if I could whistle until I was 50 or longer. "
In court, he wanted to fight for the entire professional referee group, as the rule also affects other colleagues and even has serious consequences for the lower divisions.
Gräfe, who had received praise from many coaches and players, made it clear: "I will no longer whistle myself, even if I should succeed with my complaint."