Prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, Bernd Neuendorf, the president of the German Football Association (DFB), reiterated the association’s intention to maintain a reserved stance on political questions surrounding the tournament. In a guest contribution to “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland,” he stated that during such a hectic period, it is best for the football federation to avoid reacting reflexively to every daily political event or statement.
Nevertheless, Neuendorf affirmed that the DFB will consistently emphasize its core principles. The association stands for freedom and democracy, respect and tolerance, and diversity and participation. “Hate, exclusion, racism, and antisemitism have no place with us. Football represents community, not division,” he stressed.
While the DFB cannot and does not want to completely disregard political matters, its focus must remain squarely on the sport. Neuendorf confirmed they are currently in communication with the Federal Foreign Office and other authorities regarding the local situation. “Of course, sport does not take place in a vacuum. Yet, ultimately, we must concentrate on football because it is, and remains, our core business,” he concluded.
