NEWS
Comeback after 13 Years! Veteran Referee Officiates Cup Clash
The Carinthian ended his professional career in 2013. Now he's back in action in the UNIQA ÖFB Cup.
For referee Manfred Krassnitzer, his career had actually ended 13 years ago.
According to ÖFB statutes, the Carinthian ended his top-level career at the age of 45.
However, this coming Friday, Krassnitzer will once again be in action in the UNIQA ÖFB Cup, officiating the Carinthian derby between the two regional league clubs ATUS Velden and SK Austria Klagenfurt (7:00 PM).
"I'm as excited as a little child"
"I don't really know why either. But Austria's referee boss Viktor Kassai probably gave his okay for the ÖFB to assign me. I'm as excited as a little child – it's a great honor," Krassnitzer told the "Kronen Zeitung".
The 58-year-old has officiated 131 matches in the Bundesliga. In the Cup, he refereed 34 games, with his last appearance in the competition being the 2013 quarter-final between SV Ried and LASK (2-1 after extra time).
Nowadays, Krassnitzer continues to officiate up to the regional league level. His recipe for success: "I adapt my training, I do a lot with my eyes – I still have that. And: While I have a reputation, I never let on that I used to officiate at a higher level – that's what the players appreciate about me!"
