.jpg) Gräfe in 2015 | |||
| Born | (1973-09-21)21 September 1973 (age 52) West Berlin | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Other occupation | Sports scientist | ||
| Domestic | |||
| Years | League | Role | |
| 1999–2021 | DFB | Referee | |
| 2001–2021 | 2. Bundesliga | Referee | |
| 2004–2021 | Bundesliga | Referee | |
| International | |||
| Years | League | Role | |
| 2007–2018 | FIFA listed | Referee | |
Manuel Gräfe (born 21 September 1973) is a former Germanfootball referee.[1] He refereed forHertha 03 Zehlendorf of theBerlin Football Association. He was aFIFA referee between 2007 and 2018.
Gräfe officiated in the2. Bundesliga from 2001 to 2004 and in theBundesliga from 2004 until his retirement in 2021.[2] He received hisFIFA license in 2007.
He refereed his final match on 22 May 2021, which was betweenBorussia Dortmund andBayer 04 Leverkusen.
The refereeing age limit of 47 is set by the Bundesliga. In July 2021 Gräfe stated he was taking legal action against the German football federation (DFB) over alleged age discrimination,[3] and separately petitions were launched. Fellow former-FIFA referee Markus Merk however stated 'It is a problem in our society that the old cannot let go and that the chances of advancement are more difficult for the descendants. We need change and permeability.'[4] Gräfe indicated he was not seeking to return to refereeing even if the case was successful.[3]
Gräfe, a professional sports scientist, lives in Berlin.
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