Björn Kuipers: most successful Dutch referee ever

On July 11, 2021, Björn Kuipers became the first Dutch referee to lead the European Championship final. 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 effective immediately. With Jaap de Groot, the 48-year-old entrepreneur talks about how he has been shaped by top sports. "As in my companies, I put together Team Kuipers in such a way that the sum of its parts lifted everyone to an even higher level." Sports journalist Jaap de Groot spoke to Kuipers for MASTERS Magazine.Text: Jaap de Groot
Online editorial: Patrick Stoffer
Image: John van Helvert

We'll get right to the point. Everyone knows you as a top referee and entrepreneur, but you successfully completed a university degree first.

"That's right. In 1999 I finished my Business Administration studies at Nijmegen University and took over my father's supermarket, our family business since 1937. I am indeed a doctoral student and may put drs in front of my name, but I never had that need."

So you have a good brain. Did that never bother you during your training as a referee, because sometimes the impression is given that young referees have to be quite in tune with the teachers.

"I don't recognize that image. I never felt a barrier during my training. While still being a direct manager. Especially in communication. In retrospect, that may have been an advantage, because I completely failed when I made my debut in professional soccer in 2002 with Telstar - MVV. And the two matches after that as well. I was fortunate that at this stage the KNVB had decided that referees at the professional level should also have greater mental baggage. Therefore, despite that huge false start, they still gave me the benefit of the doubt."

Photo: John van Helvert

That means scouting more and more talents, who can earn much more in business than the annual salary of 80,000 euros a referee gets. Plus 40,000 euros if you do well internationally.

"Of course these are not unkind amounts, but it is insufficient to be able to stop working after your career. Precisely at the age stage when you are active, between 25 and 50, you can make social strides. 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."

You can read the full interview in the latest issue of MASTERS. Never miss anything from MASTERS? With 4 high-profile MASTERS editions, the annual LXRY LIST and many more extras, you will easily receive lots of reading pleasure at home: substantive reports, great photography and unique brands, trends and places in the world. Give it to yourself or a loved one as a gift. Conveniently close your subscription here now.

MASTERS #47