Felix Brych's Record Referee Return Nearly Derailed by Failed Fitness Test

The Bundesliga referee overcame an initial setback to set a new appearance record after passing a crucial retest.

Felix Brych initially failed the mandatory fitness test required for Bundesliga referees, jeopardizing his return to officiating.
Schiedsrichter-Chef Knut Kircher confirmed that multiple factors contributed to Brych's initial test failure, though specifics were not disclosed.
A week after the failed test, Brych successfully completed a retest without the presence of other referees, raising questions about transparency.
Kircher defended the retest process, emphasizing its focus on the individual referee rather than public scrutiny.
Brych returned to the field to officiate his 345th Bundesliga match, setting a new record after a ten-month hiatus due to a knee injury.