Age discrimination?
Referee sues the DFB
12/12/2024 – 5:08 p.mReading time: 1 min.
Due to his age, a referee is not allowed to play in the 3rd league. That’s why he’s now going to court – and suing the DFB.
Regional league referee Francisco Lahora has sued DFB Schiri GmbH for compensation under the General Equal Treatment Act. In an interview with the “ran” portal, the 28-year-old referee cited age discrimination as the reason. Because of his age, he is no longer allowed to referee in the 3rd league. “Kicker” and “Bild” had previously reported. When asked, the DFB said it was familiar with the case, but did not want to comment.
“My accusation is that age was used as an unofficial criterion in the selection for the coaching list for the third division. This contradicts the principle of performance, which should actually be the only basis for such decisions,” said Lahora.
Despite his placement in the performance table, he was passed over because of his age. He sees this as age discrimination. “I want to ensure that all referees are judged fairly and transparently based on their performance,” said the 28-year-old. Despite his efforts, there was no out-of-court clarification. Complaints submitted to the responsible referee committees and offers for talks were repeatedly rejected.
“There was no willingness to question the age criterion. The committees always viewed their decisions as unassailable. For me, going to court was the last step after all other options had been exhausted,” said the referee. For him, experience and maturity do not depend solely on age. Even younger referees could do great things.