Decisions Under Pressure
Whether as a successful businessman balancing contract negotiations and corporate strategies, in a stadium filled with 60,000 roaring fans who scrutinize every breath, or in front of millions of self-proclaimed experts dissecting every decision in real time – Urs Meier has learned not only to survive under pressure but to excel. As a UEFA advisor pulling the strings behind the scenes and as a charismatic ZDF commentator captivating millions with expertise and charm, he understands the art of decision-making from every perspective. But what drives a man who has always been at the center of the storm?
The Moment of Decision
Speakers Excellence: Mr. Meier, as a ZDF expert and the most renowned referee in the German-speaking world, even non-football fans recognize you. Champions League finals, World and European Championship matches were decided under your direction. How does it feel to be surrounded by tens of thousands of roaring fans in the stadium and millions watching on TV when a single whistle can turn everyone against you?
Urs Meier: In such moments, you are so focused and concentrated that, while you do notice the reactions of players, coaches, and spectators, you are not yet aware of the consequences and the significance of the decision. It is an amazing feeling to be active in a packed stadium with thousands of spectators and to absorb the energy of the crowd, which can be both positive and negative. This is part of sports, but also of life – it’s not always straightforward; sometimes there are moments of rain, storms, and cold, and at other times, the sun shines warmly and comfortably.
Awareness of Consequences: Avoiding Overthinking
Speakers Excellence: Are you even aware of the impact of your decision in that moment?
Urs Meier: Should one be aware at all, or is it sometimes better to simply ignore the consequences for the moment? An English observer once asked me after a match: "Do you even know why you are so successful?" I replied that he would surely give me the answer. And he did: "You don't overthink." Yes, sometimes it is indeed better not to overanalyze what a decision might entail, otherwise you become paralyzed or choose what seems "less bad." The important thing is to always make decisions with heart and gut, honestly and without external pressure.
Dealing with Criticism: Honesty and Self-Reflection
Speakers Excellence: You’ve faced curses from Romanian witches and your hometown had to endure phone harassment from thousands of angry English fans. Clearly, the consequences are not always pleasant. Whoever makes decisions doesn’t always make friends. What helped you cope with the aftermath of your decisions?
Urs Meier: Honesty, especially with oneself. Of course, you get attacked and criticized when you put yourself in a position where decisions affect various parties. But what is the alternative? Making no decisions? Leaving decisions to others? I have always accepted this challenge, acknowledged mistakes when they happened, and remained humble when things went well. Having a supportive environment – family and friends who "carry" you when things go wrong – also helps. But you also need to invest in those relationships, otherwise, the "safety net" may not be there when you need it.
Difficult Decisions: Emotional Challenges
Speakers Excellence: What would you consider the toughest decision of your career?
Urs Meier: It was always tough to caution players during the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals or the World Cup, knowing that this yellow card would make them miss the final – like Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Pavel Nedved, or Michael Ballack. As a referee, you should always be aware of what hurts, both physically and emotionally.
Wrong Decisions: Learning from Mistakes
Speakers Excellence: Is there a decision in your career, either professionally or personally, that you would like to undo?
Urs Meier: Since every decision, whether right or wrong, contributes to your personal growth, I wouldn’t want to undo any of them, except for one red card during the Champions League semi-final between AS Monaco and Chelsea FC against Akis Zikos of AS Monaco. It was wrongly given because I fell for the acting of an English player, which caused Zikos to miss the final.
Decision Strategies: Courage and Instinct
Speakers Excellence: Which strategy has worked best for you: boldly making decisions or cautiously weighing options?
Urs Meier: Making courageous decisions that are guided by both the head and the heart. After all, not making a decision is also a decision!
More About Urs Meier:
Professional Expertise
Successful businessman with leadership experience
Former FIFA referee (883 professional matches, including World Cup and Champions League finals)
FIFA and UEFA advisor, head of top Swiss referees (2007–2011)
Media Career
ZDF football expert (2005–2020): Commentated on World Cup/Euro matches and won the German Television Award in 2006 with Jürgen Klopp
Currently: Champions League commentator on Blue TV (since 2018) and DAZN expert for the Bundesliga (since 2023)
Speaking & Consulting
Keynote speaker on leadership, decision-making under pressure, and team building
Transfer of sports strategies to business: Combines management knowledge with referee experiences
Acclaimed as a "gifted speaker with wit and self-irony" (Süddeutsche Zeitung)
Publications & Media
Columnist for FOCUS on referee topics
Podcast guest on "Passion for People" (Decision-making skills & career insights)
Awards
German Television Award 2006 for World Cup coverage
Rated as the second-best referee worldwide by an expert panel
Curious?
Experience Urs Meier live at the #nxtKNOWLEDGE Knowledge Forum Stuttgart at the Kongresshalle Böblingen on October 17, 2025: Three stages, over 30 experts from business, leadership, digitalization, sales, and sports. Make valuable business contacts and expand your network at the expo area.
