Merk leaves his mark on Europe

Markus Merk blew the final whistle on his UEFA club competition career at the end of PSV Eindhoven's game against FC Internazionale Milano on Wednesday – and the 45-year-old German match official could walk off the field knowing his time as one of the most respected referees in Europe and the world had been thoroughly worthwhile. Merk has carved an impressive name for himself not only as a fine referee but also as a man of conscience.

Boyhood commitment
Born in Kaiserslautern, Merk was an altar boy in his childhood, and went on to balance his love for football – and local side 1. FC Kaiserslautern – with his commitment to a career in dentistry. Having taken charge of his first Bundesliga game in 1988, he has since overseen a record 242 top-flight matches in Germany. Merk became a FIFA referee in 1992, officiating at the 1996/97 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final, though perhaps his biggest assignments were the 2002/03 UEFA Champions League final in Manchester – AC Milan beat Juventus on penalties following a tense 0-0 draw – and the final of UEFA EURO 2004™ in Lisbon, where Greece surprisingly defeated hosts Portugal 1-0. Two thrilling encounters for sure, but as Merk always said: "There is something special about every match."

Charity work
Now based in the small town of Otterbach with his family, Merk sold his dental practice in 2005 to concentrate on working as an inspirational speaker, while in his spare time he supports schools projects in southern India. This started in 1993 when he established a village at Sogospatty, near the Indian city of Trichy, for disadvantaged children. In 2005, Merk received the federal cross of merit from the prime minister of Rhineland-Palatinate for his contribution to German football and charity work.

Virtue is important
He continues to enjoy keeping fit with triathlon training, all of which is in tune with his refereeing ethos. He said: "For me, virtue is important – it is crucial for a referee. As a referee I know I have a social responsibility." This belief is a massive part of Merk's life. At UEFA EURO 2004™, he joined fellow officials Anders Frisk, Ľuboš Micheľ and Pierluigi Collina as an ambassador highlighting the UEFA/International Committee of the Red Cross campaign to protect children in war – "we are duty-bound to help children", was his opinion of his appointment. Fair play has also been a keyword in Merk's career. He was given a UEFA Fair Play award for his contribution to the 2003 UEFA Champions League final, with UEFA praising his willingness to "guide rather than punish".

'Great joy'
Merk, who notably never shaved before a match and kissed his wedding ring and crossed himself before every kick-off, will now be an interested observer as UEFA EURO 2008™ draws closer, watching his former colleagues face the pressure. "You are under constant strain but you have many moments of great joy," he said as he reflected on refereeing at the highest level. "These opportunities are the reward for decades of hard work." For Merk, the accolades have been richly deserved.