Markus Merk

Markus Merk studied Dentistry in Cologne, before beginning his practice in Kaiserslautern. .

In the football world he is better known as one of the most respected and sought-after referees. He has been a Bundesliga referee since 1988, during which time he has officiated at more than 250 games, and a FIFA referee since 1992. He has refereed high profile matches such as the German Cup Final in 1993, several final games in the UEFA Champions League and the European Championships quarter final between Greece and Portugal.

He was the only German referee to take part in the World Cuo of 2002 and 2006, and officiated at the European Championships of 2000 in Holland and Belgium and the Olympic Games of 1992.

He was voted German referee of the Year five times, and in 2004 and 2005 81 experts from around the world voted him World Referee of the Year.

He also speaks at management conferences on topics such as Decision-Making and draws parallels from two different worlds. He shares with his audiences the belief that everyone can do more than they think in any given moment.

He pursues a very personal project in Southern India, where he works on the behalf of the poorest of the poor. He founded his own development project in 1991, which includes 5 orphanages, 3 schools and an old-peoples home. He is also an Ambassador for the campaign Protect Children in War, run by the Red Cross and UEFA.