Wolfsburg Relegated After Maehle Red Card, Zwayer Criticised

VfL Wolfsburg will play in the 2. Bundesliga after finishing last season's Bundesliga and being relegated for the first time. The decisive moment came when Joakim Maehle received a yellow‑red card after 14 minutes. Wolfsburg officials publicly criticised referee Felix Zwayer following the incident.

The dismissal reduced Wolfsburg to ten men early in the match. The early numerical disadvantage contributed to the club's inability to secure the points needed to avoid relegation. The club's management described the decision as a key factor in the season's outcome.

Felix Zwayer was the match official. His handling of the Maehle incident drew criticism from Wolfsburg's hierarchy. The criticism focused on the timing and impact of the red card.

Wolfsburg will now prepare for the 2. Bundesliga campaign. The club must rebuild its squad to aim for promotion. The relegation marks the first descent in the club's history.

The incident may influence future disciplinary reviews within the league. The German Football Association could assess referee performance. The outcome could affect how referees manage early cautions.