The combination of different roles held by individual stakeholders is also causing discussion. Thomas Einwaller, for instance, works as a referee observer in the elite sector and is simultaneously chairman of the overarching ÖFB Referee Commission.
Critics ask how the assessment of the department can be reconciled with his activities in the "Elite Referee Staff" - which formally reports to the Head of Referee Department, Ali Hofmann. A chairman, they argue, must be able to oversee the department independently and objectively from an external perspective.
According to critics, Maximilian Fischer's position also raises questions. He is employed by Ali Hofmann and handles organizational tasks related to training camps and seminars, as well as other activities within Viktor Kassai's sphere.
At the same time, Fischer is also a member of the development squad (note: this is the "talent factory" for future Bundesliga referees), was recently nominated as a FIFA Futsal Referee for 2027, and is observed and evaluated by individuals for whom he provides organizational services.
Since Kassai plays a decisive role in potential promotion to the Bundesliga, critics see at least a possible conflict of interest. LAOLA1 is unaware of whether responsibilities are clearly regulated internally and what control mechanisms are in place.
According to a participant's account, there was little noteworthy information at the recent elite referees' seminar, aside from Hofmann's concluding address. Hofmann reportedly referred to the last LAOLA1 report (READ HERE) about the referees, calling it a "punch to the gut."
At the same time, the administrative head of refereeing reportedly stated that Kassai was not obliged to create training examples or video clips. His role, rather, was to make strategic decisions – comparable to that of national team coach Ralf Rangnick in his area of responsibility.
This statement met with incomprehension in the plenum. Some participants reportedly wondered why Hofmann only came to this assessment after three years. One critic described the argumentation as arrogant and pointed out that Austria's referees, under the current leadership, have not yet been represented at any World or European Championship. Whether and to what extent the work of the ÖFB leadership is decisive for this is thus called into question. Hofmann is also said to have taken the position: "We are the best."
Costs, Contracts and Lack of Accountability
A central point of contention is the relationship between expenditure and results. On the one hand, it is regularly stated that no money is available for referees. On the other hand, the ÖFB has signed Kassai, the most expensive head of referees in its history, while considerable funds are also spent on VAR manager Ring and an extensive staff. At the same time, volunteers are expected to take on more tasks.
In the letter to supervisory board chairman Josef Pröll, the authors want to know what Kassai's central task specifically entails and what measurable progress has been achieved since he took office. They assess the current track record as modest. The two-year extension of Kassai's and Ring's contracts is also criticized. It is unclear on what basis the decision was made and whether a thorough performance analysis took place beforehand.
The dissatisfied elite referees see neither a discernible improvement in quality domestically nor a stronger international presence of local referees. It is not disputed that Kassai was successful as a Champions League referee before his time at the ÖFB. Precisely for this reason, many referees find it difficult to understand why he does not provide more direct guidance to active referees and instead expensive external international mentors are engaged.
Youth Referees Complain of Lack of Direction
The criticism of the development of young referees is particularly stark. Many don't know where they stand and receive too little feedback from Kassai. This is demotivating. There is a lack of clear guidelines on how game situations should be assessed.
Similar situations are judged differently from week to week, without those affected receiving comprehensible explanations.
International development also worries critics. Talented referees are not adequately professionally supported to make the leap onto the FIFA list. Securing a spot at a major tournament final requires a multi-year career path. Typically, appearances at an U21 final round are followed by assignments as a 4th official before a referee is deployed as a main referee at a major tournament.
Such a path usually takes four to six years. The authors of the letter to the ÖFB ask where Austria currently stands on this path and how the next generation is even supposed to be guided towards this goal.
Criticism of Leadership and Organization
In addition to sporting issues, the leadership culture is also being criticized.
According to the signatories, Hofmann lacks experience in refereeing and the necessary credibility to lead the department. Leadership, they state, consists not only of figures and organizational decisions but also of an understanding of the people within the refereeing sector.
Another accusation is that Hofmann always rejects criticism and disregards other opinions.
The organization of courses and seminars is also described as inadequate. Fundamental issues such as booking training pitches or accommodation have repeatedly not been clarified in a timely manner.
While previous discussions with the then "ÖFB Elite Referee Manager" Fritz Stuchlik were stimulating, his successor and a team of employees are reportedly not meeting the expectations placed on the department. Where one person previously achieved a lot, a handful of employees are now failing to adequately manage their tasks.
The treatment of an experienced referee at a seminar in Salzburg was particularly distressing. Hofmann reportedly treated a colleague like a schoolboy in front of the participants, according to the authors of the letter to Josef Pröll. This was perceived as disrespectful and a demonstration of power. The incident affected many attendees. Hofmann is trying to gloss over the situation, the letter states. A statement from Hofmann on this matter is not available in the documents we possess.
Trust in Leadership on Trial
The 2023 restart initially sparked hope. Kassai brought new ideas, and many had expected a new phase for ÖFB refereeing, following the resignation of the old commission under Robert Sedlacek – after meticulous preparation by Ali Hofmann?
However, signs of stagnation became visible already in the first year. Disappointment grew, and Kassai's initial positive image crumbled, according to the letter.
The signatories demand a transparent assessment: what goals were set, what was achieved, what resources were used – and how should the development of the next generation specifically improve? Pröll must also explain how he assesses the situation. Secretary General Thomas Hollerer also no longer appears in refereeing matters.
The conflict extends beyond individual personnel issues. At its core, it is about trust in leadership, comprehensible decisions, and a clear sporting perspective. As long as costs, responsibilities, and results are not transparently evaluated, dissatisfaction within elite refereeing is unlikely to decrease.
Criticism of Treatment of Assistant Referees
Another accusation concerns the treatment of three assistant referees whose "careers" ended with the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
The discussions with them were reportedly conducted "extremely unprofessionally." They allegedly began with references to age and a situation that, from the perspective of those affected, was already hopeless. Objective analyses and concrete information that would have made the step understandable were absent.
Match officials are aware that their careers are not limitless. However, what is crucial is how people are treated who, in this case, cannot decide on an early retirement themselves and whose careers expire at the end of the season. From the signatories' perspective, this approach reveals weaknesses in Hofmann's leadership style and demonstrates a lack of respect. A statement from Hofmann regarding these accusations is not available in the current information.
"Little Support" for Leadership
In a secret ballot on the retention of Hofmann and Kassai, both, according to this assessment, would not receive even close to 25 percent of the approximately 70 votes due to the prevailing dissatisfaction. Whether this assessment reflects a representative survey cannot be verified here. However, the signatories see a clear indication that the current leadership does not enjoy the trust of the majority.
As a counter-example, they refer to the leadership of the national team and the values conveyed there, such as respect and professionalism. In their view, the elite refereeing sector pursues an opposing course.
While active referees are not professionals but amateurs who perform a demanding voluntary role alongside their professional work, they invest considerable time and effort and are grateful to be allowed to undertake this task. Precisely for this reason, it is difficult to accept when, in addition to the pressure on the football pitch, they encounter a lack of support within their own association.
The authors of the letter also draw a comparison to the national team: if players were treated and led similarly under coach Ralf Rangnick, many would likely no longer compete for the ÖFB selection, in their opinion.
Finally, the active members of the ÖFB elite refereeing community demand to be treated respectfully, professionally, and in a contemporary manner. Only then, they state, can they deliver their best possible performance and contribute to the success of domestic football. Currently, in their view, this is "not even remotely" the case.
Next Champions League Assignment for Gishamer
Finally, there is also some positive news to report. Just eight days after his Champions League assignment in Azerbaijan, FIFA referee Sebastian Gishamer faces his next highlight on Europe's biggest football stage.
Since the press release was apparently prepared last week, there was initially an incorrect announcement stating that Gishamer would be officiating at San Siro in Milan (Inter against Shakhtar Donetsk). With three people in the referee media department, responsibilities can occasionally get a bit muddled...
