Controversial Penalty Decision in Bundesliga Match Sparks Legal Battle

In a controversial turn of events, Bayer Leverkusen‘s women’s team is not only preparing to face FC Bayern Munich in the Frauen-Bundesliga on Sunday but is also embroiled in a legal battle set to unfold before the DFB Federal Court. The team, currently trailing the reigning champions by a mere point, is contending with an off-field issue that could potentially influence the season’s outcome.

The dispute originates from a protest filed by SC Freiburg, following their clash with Leverkusen in which a contentious penalty decision was made. The controversy revolves around a penalty initially awarded to Leverkusen and subsequently ordered to be retaken by referee Theresa Hug in the 88th minute. Hug later admitted to not having a comprehensive understanding of the specific rule involved.

The DFB Sports Court, during an oral hearing, sided with Freiburg’s assertion, declaring that the incident constituted a rule violation by the officiating team rather than a factual decision. “This violation affected the match result, warranting a replay of the match,” stated Judge Heinz Müller in the court’s ruling.

This decision has been met with disagreement from Bayer Leverkusen, leading to an appeal filed by the club. Thomas Eichin, Leverkusen’s license director, expressed his organization’s dissatisfaction to the German newspaper BILD, stating, “We are still confused by the verdict and will be appealing.” The final decision now rests with the DFB Federal Court.

Freiburg’s protest against the match result had previously been upheld in the first instance ruling by the DFB Sports Court, a decision that Leverkusen promptly appealed, though unsuccessfully. Eichin argues robustly against the latest ruling, emphasizing Leverkusen’s stance that such a decision should be categorized as a factual judgment, especially in leagues lacking Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.

“It is essential that factual decisions, especially those within the referee’s discretion, remain untouched,” Eichin asserted. He further argued, “What is said or claimed afterwards should not outweigh what actually transpired on the field.” The implications of the final ruling could extend beyond a single match, potentially setting a precedent for handling future refereeing decisions in German football.