They are coming from all over Europe - and in one case even from Argentina - to ensure fair and exciting matches during UEFA EURO 2024: we are talking about the 69 referees and their assistants who will be staying in the Rhine-Main region in the heart of Europe for the duration of UEFA Euro 2024 and traveling from here to the venues in the ten host cities.
Lord Mayor Mike Josef welcomed the referees, their assistants and around 30 other UEFA employees on Wednesday, June 12, in the Kaisersaal of the Römer. "I played for SSV Ulm myself in my youth. I like to think back to the experiences from that time. On the pitch, I learned what it means to be part of a team, to practice fair play and to fight until the last moment. These values of soccer still shape my work today and for me are the best example of what makes this sport so special," said the head of the city.
Indeed, the referees from Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, England, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Poland and Turkey have a central role to play on and off the pitch: "You are the tireless midfield engines of this tournament, ensuring fairness and compliance with the rules. Without your integrity, your expertise and your passion, a tournament like this would not be possible," emphasized the Lord Mayor.
The diversity of the referees present is a wonderful example of the international community that soccer creates, Josef continued, underlining: "Each of you brings your own perspective, experience and culture and makes UEFA EURO 2024 a truly global event. This diversity is an asset for the tournament and shows the power of sport to build bridges and create connections - just as a team of different players achieves great things together."
Not to be forgotten is the exemplary character of the referees who act at the highest level. Voluntary work and club sport thrive on people who contribute to the good of the community and, if necessary, act and mediate with calm and deliberation, even in a heated atmosphere: "Football connects people on and off the pitch across language and cultural boundaries. On the pitch, origin and political or religious views take a back seat. It's all about performance and fair play. For a month during UEFA EURO 2024, the eyes of the world will be on Germany. During this time, it is your merit to make comprehensible decisions and ensure fair matches," said the Lord Mayor, thanking the referees present and wishing them a successful tournament.
