German football body rejects criticism from injured referee Ittrich

The German Football Federation (DFB) has rejected the criticism from referee Patrick Ittrich after he called on the association to limit the physical strain on referees.

"We have a very close relationship with the active referees, including Patrick Ittrich," DFB head referee Knut Kircher said on Wednesday, adding that the

Ittrich, who is one of four Bundesliga officials out injured, said that "in the event that something happens to me, I have to build up a network, organize a doctor and a physio."

Kircher, however, said that the DFB offers a support network, with a main medical contact as well as enough physiotherapists and trainers that every referee can reach out to.

He added that the federation also relies on the referees to have their own network of specialists "built up over the years" and that this is "part of the agreement."

Ittrich, 45, is out of action due to a "serious" muscle injury. Deniz Aytekin, Robert Schröder and Frank Willenborg are the other injured referees.