Future Appointment: Brych to Lead Talent Development for Referees within German Football Association
Veteran Referee Felix Brych Steps Down to Focus on Talent Development
After a distinguished and successful 20-year career as a Bundesliga referee, Felix Brych is moving on from the pitch to nurture the next generation of his field. The 49-year-old German Football Association (DFB) referee, who resides in Munich, has been appointed as the Head of Talent Development and Elite Coaching at DFB's referee GmbH, starting October 1st, according to the DFB.
In his final Bundesliga match last weekend, Brych officiated Union Berlin's 2:1 win over FC Augsburg. Expressing his confidence in passing on his extensive experience to young talents, Brych stated, "I've experienced a lot throughout my career, and I am certain that my comprehensive experience as a referee can help young aspirants progress towards the Bundesliga." Knut Kircher, Managing Director of Sport and Communication at the referee GmbH, spoke highly of Brych, calling his wealth of experience "incredible" and emphasizing that it would enable them to improve the development of referee talents.
Throughout a career that began in 1999 within the DFB referee ranks and made his Bundesliga debut in 2004, Brych presided over at least 359 Bundesliga matches before concluding his refereeing career in 2025. Part of Brych's impact on the DFB has been his high standing, having officiated major international finals such as the 2017 UEFA Champions League final and the 2014 Europa League final. His model of professionalism, continuous self-improvement, and transparency (acknowledging and learning from mistakes) has likely served as an inspiration for younger referees in Germany.
Brych's extensive career and high standing within the DFB have allowed him to influence the culture and standards of refereeing in German football indirectly through his example and possibly directly in DFB structures. While specific mentorship activities or formal roles for Brych are not documented, his expertise and integrity have undoubtedly contributed positively to the development of young referees in Germany.
In his new role as the Head of Talent Development and Elite Coaching at DFB's referee GmbH, Felix Brych plans to utilize his extensive experience in football sports-analysis to guide and mentor young referees. As a renowned referee who officiated major international finals like the 2017 UEFA Champions League final and the 2014 Europa League final, Brych's model of professionalism and transparency in sports-analysis is expected to further enhance the development of referee talents in Germany.
