The Dutch referee Bjoern Kuipers, among other things, whistled the final of the European Championship between Italy and England.
picture alliance/Sven Simon/Anke Waelischmiller
The referee Björn Kuipers directed the final of the European Championship. He was the first Dutchman to come to such a high stake.
Although a referee’s salary is not enough to make a big income, Kuipers is also doing well off the pitch: the 48-year-old studied business administration and owns a supermarket.
Even his father and grandfather stood with their pipes on soccer fields.
Björn Kuipers chaired the European Championship final between England and Italy on Sunday. What many do not know about the final referee: The Dutchman is not only at eye level with the kicking stars on the pitch, but also financially. In his hometown of Oldenzaal (35,000 inhabitants, near the German border), Kuipers owns a supermarket and a hairdressing salon. As early as 2016, his fortune was estimated at around 13.4 million euros. He even surpasses some soccer stars.
Kuipers has a degree in business administration and comes from an arbitration dynasty. His grandfather Andries Van Leeuwen led a European Cup final in the 1960s, his father Jan was also a referee and brought his son Björn to the pipe. Allegedly Jan Kuipers is said to have directed a game of his son, in which Björn constantly complained to his father about his whistles. Then Jan put the pipe in his hand and asked him to do better.
For the Dutch referee it is the fourth appearance at this European Championship, he is the first Dutchman to whistle a European Championship final.
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