Having taken charge of over 350 encounters in the German top flight, Felix Brych has announced that he will retire from officiating at the end of the 2024/25 season.

Having officiated in the Bundesliga since 2004, the 49-year-old from Munich is drawing the curtain on a long and distinguished career in officiating. Brych became the holder of the record for most matches officiated in the top flight earlier this season, and currently has 352 to his name.

He said: "It's time now. As a sportsperson you notice at some stage that it becomes hard to keep your performance levels going. Training is always getting more difficult. I have to go beyond the limit as there is an extreme effort I have to make. It is a dream to referee in the Bundesliga, but it has to be worth it. I am pleased to be able to take this step. I want to bring it to an end myself."

Watch: Felix Brych gives his shirt to a fan

Among active Bundesliga referees, Felix Zwayer has officiated the second-highest number of matches, with Hosltein Kiel 2-2 Bochum on Matchday 21 being his 239th, while Deniz Aytekin is just behind with 236.

Referees with most appearances in the Bundesliga

Referee                         Games
Felix Brych                     352
Wolfgang Stark             344
Markus Merk                 338
Manuel Gräfe                289
Florian Meyer                287

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