Urs Meier (62) worked for ZDF in seven major soccer tournaments. But after 16 years, the second ended the collaboration with the popular referee expert from Switzerland. That now causes a legal battle. In mid-April, Meier and the TV broadcaster meet in front of the Mainz regional court!
“I was planned for the EM 2020,” said the former world-class referee to SPORT BILD. “This was then postponed to 2021. Then in 2021 Manuel Gräfe was taken on as an expert by ZDF without my being canceled for the EM. In March 2021 I asked how things are going with the EM dates. In April I was informed in Mainz that I would not be there. “
Meier would have been involved in the entire European Championship, which began in June. An expert fee is usually between 20,000 and 30,000 euros per tournament. “Of course I planned with the ZDF appointments and rejected other appointments such as lectures,” says Meier. “I would like to have the unusual fees for the ZDF missions.”
The parties argue about whether there was a valid agreement. “So far we have not come to an agreement during talks,” says Meier. “The ZDF is of the opinion that we don’t have a contract. There is also no written form. But for me, an oral contract is also a contract here. Because in the 16 years of cooperation we have always done it this way. That has a lot to do with trust. “
On request, ZDF announced: “Mr. Meier is a football expert valued by ZDF, with whom we have worked well in the past. For the 2020 European Championship, which was postponed to 2021, the ZDF decided not to use Mr. Meier for reporting and informed him of this in good time and properly. A contract has not been concluded with Mr. Meier for this. “
Meier, who worked for ZDF at every major tournament from the 2006 World Cup to the 2018 World Cup, regrets the end: “Unfortunately, we now have to go to court. There it is decided who is right. It was a very good time at ZDF, so far everything has been very fair. I think you should be able to say goodbye through the big door, not the small one. “
There was even the German TV Prize for his appearances at the EM 2008 with Jürgen Klopp (54) and Johannes B. Kerner (57). Meier is currently working as an expert for the Swiss TV broadcaster Blue in the Champions League and gives lectures on topics such as pressure, fair play and decision-making.
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