Alfred Birlem
German referee who officiated at two World Cups and the 1936 Olympics.
August Robert Alfred Birlem (10 January 1888 – 13 April 1956) was a German football player and referee, known for officiating in high-profile international tournaments during the 1930s. Born in Berlin, Germany, Birlem began his football career as a player for clubs including Union 92, Berliner SC, and Viktoria 89, and represented Berlin city in regional competitions with nine appearances. He later transitioned to refereeing, where he became a notable figure in both international and domestic matches, officiating 21 international matches between 1927 and 1939.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 10 January 1888
- Died
- 13 April 1956
Facts from the source article.
Refereeing career
After his time as a player, Birlem transitioned to refereeing. At the 1934 FIFA World Cup, he officiated the first-round match between Spain and Brazil, which Spain won 3–1, and served as an assistant referee in the Austria vs. Hungary quarterfinal. During the 1936 Summer Olympics, he refereed the bronze medal match between Norway and Poland, a 3–2 victory for Norway. At the 1938 FIFA World Cup, he officiated the replay of the Cuba vs. Romania first-round match, which Cuba won 2–1, and was an assistant referee for France vs. Belgium. In German domestic football, Birlem refereed the 1932 German Championship final between FC Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt, the 1933 final between Fortuna Düsseldorf and FC Schalke 04, and the 1935 Tschammerpokal final between 1. FC Nürnberg and FC Schalke 04.
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