On June 7, 2026, Martin Thöne and Marijo Zupanovic took their final joint appearance as referees in the Kieler Ostseehalle, officiating a match between THW Kiel and TBV Lemgo Lippe. This moment marked their 712th and last collaboration in the German Handball Bundesliga. The decision to retire after the 2025/26 season was kept quiet until then, allowing their departure to remain personal and unceremonial. Few in the crowd realized that this was the last time they would see the two Berlin-born referees on the court together, and even their fellow officials were not fully aware of the significance of the moment.
Together, Thöne and Zupanovic spent 29 years as one of the most experienced and respected referee teams in Bundesliga history. Their retirement is the result of thoughtful planning, not sudden change. They have always valued control over their own careers, and ending on their own terms felt vital. They wanted to step away while still in control, rather than waiting for external factors to decide their fate. 'We decided to stop when we felt the balance of life, work, and performance was shifting,' Thöne explained. 'We didn’t want to let circumstances force the choice on us.'
A Thoughtful Decision
The idea of retiring had been a topic they discussed for years. They examined each season carefully, weighing how their professional responsibilities balanced with their personal lives, physical condition, and mental well-being. Their final decision came in the spring, when they asked themselves directly: Could we continue at the same high level for the next one or two years? This was a turning point. Both had been wrestling with the question individually, but it wasn’t until they sat down and talked it out honestly that the conclusion became clear.
The answer, after much reflection, was no—not because they lacked the ability, but because they didn’t feel it was right. 'We wanted to be the ones making the choice,' said Zupanovic. 'Leaving by our own decision is much better than letting someone else decide for us.' They agreed that the time to retire was now, not later. 'We don’t want to lose the momentum or risk declining performance,' Thöne added. 'It’s better to step away at the top, with our dignity intact.'
In the final weeks before their retirement, they noticed a clear shift in their performance. With the pressure to stay in the rankings removed, they felt more at ease and natural on the court. 'You can feel the difference,' said Zupanovic. 'Players, coaches, and fans seem to notice it too. We felt more like ourselves.' This shift brought fresh energy and confidence, which showed in their last few games. They were praised by colleagues and even players for their calmness and clarity under pressure, something they hadn’t anticipated.
A Legacy of Change and Challenge
Changes in the Game
Handball, as Thöne and Zupanovic know it, has evolved beyond what they could have imagined at the start of their careers. Over the past decade, the pace of the game has accelerated, and the demand to make flawless decisions in the blink of an eye has grown. The introduction of video replay, headsets for communication, and detailed technical rules have all changed the nature of refereeing. In this fast-paced environment, staying relevant takes continuous adaptation, and for the two Berlin referees, it became harder to keep up.
The rise of social media has also increased the pressure. 'Mistakes used to be forgotten after a couple of days,' said Zupanovic. 'Now, they get replayed over and over, and strangers send you messages about every call you make.' Handling this relentless scrutiny has become part of the modern referee’s life, and while they admit it can be exhausting, they see it as a test the next generation may handle better. 'We are not the ones who grew up with this digital world,' Thöne noted. 'It’s something entirely new for the sport, and for referees.'
Rather than feeling frustrated by these changes, they accept them as part of the sport’s natural development. 'We were part of an older way of doing things,' said Thöne. 'The next generation can manage the modern game more effectively. That’s not something to regret.' Their perspective is one of understanding and respect. They acknowledge their place in history and recognize that the time has come for others to step up and take charge.
Looking Ahead
Their career began in Berlin, where they first trained together. At that time, many of their eventual colleagues had not even been born. Starting in youth games, they worked their way up through the ranks, gaining experience in both men’s and women’s divisions. Over nearly three decades, they became a familiar and respected presence in the Bundesliga, building a legacy that few can rival. 'We started in small halls, and now we’re part of a sport that’s evolved dramatically,' Zupanovic reflected. 'Every step we took led us closer to the top, but we never lost sight of the joy of the game.'
Now that they’ve retired, Thöne and Zupanovic are looking forward to new chapters. They no longer have to prepare for summer referee training or schedule vacations around preparation games. 'We’re finally free to enjoy the summer without deadlines and commitments,' said Thöne. 'It feels right to step back and let something else take over for a while.' They leave behind not just a legacy of experience, but also one of adaptability, leadership, and an enduring love for handball.