PEOPLE
Björn Kuipers: most successful Dutch referee ever
On July 11, 2021, Björn Kuipers became the first Dutch referee to officiate the final of the European Championship. After one Champions League final, two Europa League finals, three European Championships and two World Cups, this was the pinnacle of an already impressive career. A month later he decided to retire immediately. The 48-year-old entrepreneur talks to Jaap de Groot about how top sport has shaped him. "Just like in my companies, I assembled Team Kuipers so that the sum of the parts elevated everyone to an even higher level." Sports journalist Jaap de Groot spoke to Kuipers for MASTERS Magazine.
On July 11, 2021 led Bjorn Kuipers was the first Dutch referee to referee the final of the European Championship. After one Champions League final, two Europa League finals, three European Championships and two World Cups, the highlight of his already impressive career. A month later he decided to quit immediately. The 48-year-old entrepreneur talks to Jaap de Groot about how top sport has shaped him. “Just like in my companies, I put together Team Kuipers in such a way that the sum of the parts lifted everyone to an even higher level.” Sports journalist Jaap de Groot Kuipers spoke for MASTERS Magazine. Text: Jaap de Groot
Online editor: Patrick Stoffer
Image: John van Helvert
We get straight to the point. Everyone knows you as a top referee and entrepreneur, but you first successfully completed a university study.
"That's right. In 1999, I finished my Business Administration studies at the University of Nijmegen and took over my father's supermarket, our family business since 1937. I am indeed a PhD student and can put drs in front of my name, but I never had that need.”
So you have a good brain. Has that never bothered you during your training as a referee, because the impression is sometimes given that young referees have to keep in line with the teachers.
“I don't recognize that image. I never felt an obstacle during my training. Even though I am a direct manager. Especially in communication. In retrospect, that may have been an advantage, because I completely fell through the ice when I made my debut in professional football in 2002 with Telstar – MVV. And the two games after that too. I was fortunate that at this stage the KNVB had decided that referees at professional level also had to have greater mental capacity. That's why, despite that huge false start, they still gave me the benefit of the doubt.”
Photo: John van Helvert
This means that more and more talents are being scouted, who can earn much more in business than the annual salary of 80.000 euros that a referee receives. Plus 40.000 euros if you do well internationally.
“Of course these are not bad amounts, but it is not enough to be able to stop working after your career. It is precisely in the age phase in which you are active, between 25 and 50, that you can make social steps. The current program does not allow that. Fortunately, I have been able to combine my business life with top sports, but that is not for everyone.”
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