Breaking Records in the Bundesliga: Brych vs. Stark
Felix Brych, a renowned referee in German football, is set to achieve a remarkable milestone this weekend. The 48-year-old official will officiate his 344th Bundesliga match in the clash between Eintracht Frankfurt and VfB Stuttgart on Saturday, drawing level with the record holder, Wolfgang Stark[1]. However, this record-tying performance is just the beginning of an even more significant accomplishment for Brych.
In a statement from the German Football Association, Brych expressed his pride at reaching this number, acknowledging that it symbolizes his longevity in the field[2]. He further stated that although he never truly "wins" anything as a referee, records like this serve as a means of self-definition[2]. However, Brych remains humble in the face of potential record-breaking achievements, crediting Stark's accomplishments as equally important[2].
Stark, now 54, seems less surprised by the prospect of Brych breaking his record. He acknowledged that Brych, with his experience and talent, was always the most likely candidate to surpass his record[3]. However, Stark expressed no sadness at relinquishing the record, dismissing suggestions that referees are in constant competition with one another[3].
Brych, who ended his international refereeing career, made his Bundesliga debut on August 28, 2004, officiating the match between Hertha BSC and 1. FSV Mainz 05[2]. The highlight of his career, according to Brych, has been his long tenure as a professional referee, during which he was named World Referee of the Year twice[2].
As Brych prepares to tie Stark's record in the coming Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and VfB Stuttgart, he is set to become the all-time record holder for the most Bundesliga matches refereed[1]. Although Brych has already surpassed Stark's record with his most recent refereeing assignments[1], this upcoming match will officially cement his place in the history books.
Sources:
[1] "Top Referee Felix Brych on the brink of Bundesliga record against Eintracht Frankfurt and Stuttgart." DPA. October 06, 2021.
[2] "Record-breaking referee Felix Brych looks ahead to Stuttgart match." German Press Agency. October 06, 2021.
[3] "Wolfgang Stark on Felix Brych breaking his Bundesliga refereeing record." Fussball Bundesliga. October 06, 2021.
[4] "Felix Brych referees his 352nd Bundesliga match." Fussball Bundesliga. November 28, 2021.
