As of voting for Saudi Arabia
“Must not be the way”: Fan rebellion at the DFB
12/06/2024 – 9:23 p.mReading time: 2 min.
DFB boss Bernd Neuendorf will agree to the awarding of the 2030 and 2034 tournaments - despite the great criticism of Saudi Arabia. An alliance is angry.
Some German fans have sharply criticized the German football Association’s (DFB) approval of Saudi arabia’s bid for the 2034 World cup.Under President Gianni Infantino, the world association fifa is ”degenerating more and more into an autocratic one-man show, and the DFB ducks away and applauds,” said the “Our Curve” alliance in response to a request from the sports information service. This is “shameful”.
At the virtual Fifa Congress on Wednesday, the 2030 and 2034 World Cups will be awarded in a double pack – reportedly by acclamation – and there is only one application for both tournaments. The DFB wants to agree,the presidium decided this “unanimously,” said DFB boss Bernd Neuendorf on Friday. Rejecting the application from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has been widely criticized as of its human rights situation, would be “purely symbolic politics”.
“Our Curve” sees the problem “not only” in the DFB’s voting behavior in the coming week. It is also because “Bernd Neuendorf, as a member of the Fifa Council, supported every decision. for example,when it came to allowing double awarding again,” said spokesman Dario Minden.
The council around Neuendorf, who receives $250,000 annually on the committee, unanimously agreed on the voting procedure in October. Critics see the double award as a departure from the reforms that were introduced as a result of the FIFA scandal in 2015.
On this topic, Neuendorf referred to the already high level of support for Saudi Arabia. “Why should I rebel and play an opposition that would be doomed to failure?” said the DFB President. If the DFB were to take on Saudi Arabia, “we would have taken ourselves out of the game. We must work with FIFA to ensure that the situation in Saudi Arabia improves when it comes to human rights and sustainability.”
According to “Our Curve”, the DFB has a duty to take care of critical issues after the award to the desert state. In Qatar, “thousands died on the construction sites,” said spokesman Thomas Kessen, referring to the tournament two years ago: ”The future dead of the 2034 world Cup are still alive today. Look the other way for ten years, take the money with you and then feel ashamed again Playing a tournament shouldn’t be the DFB’s way.”
What are the ethical implications of Saudi Arabia’s involvement in global sports governance?
Interview: Time.news Editor with Dr. Ava Meier, Sports Management Expert
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Meier! We’re excited to dive into the recent developments regarding saudi Arabia’s involvement in sports, particularly considering the voting controversy. Can you share your thoughts on the current situation and how it impacts global sports governance?
Dr. Meier: Thank you for having me! The situation is quite complex. The recent fan rebellion at the DFB highlights a significant tension between traditional sports governance values and the realities of global politics. Integrating a nation like Saudi Arabia into the sports landscape raises questions about integrity, ethical considerations, and the motivations behind such moves.
editor: Absolutely. Fans have expressed strong feelings about this shift. What do you think is fueling this rebellion among fans?
Dr. Meier: Fan engagement is deeply rooted in authenticity and community. In cases where decisions appear to be driven by political or economic motives rather then genuine support for the sport, fans feel alienated. The DFB’s decision to welcome Saudi Arabia may be seen as prioritizing funding and sponsorship over the core values that fans hold dear. This kind of perceived betrayal can lead to significant backlash.
Editor: That makes a lot of sense. How do you believe organizations like the DFB can address these concerns moving forward?
Dr. Meier: Transparency is key. The DFB needs to openly communicate the reasoning behind their decisions and show that they are committed to the core values of sportsmanship and fair play. Engaging with fans directly through forums, discussions, or surveys can also help rebuild trust. Moreover, incorporating fan voices into governance decisions could foster a sense of ownership and belonging.
Editor: Speaking of trust, how do you view the relationship between sports organizations and nations like Saudi Arabia, which have faced criticism for their human rights records?
Dr. Meier: This is indeed a challenging aspect. The intersection of sports and politics raises ethical dilemmas. While sports can be a platform for positive change and dialog, partnering with countries that have controversial records can lead to accusations of complicity. Organizations must carefully weigh the potential benefits against the moral implications of their partnerships.
Editor: Very insightful. As sports continue to globalize, what do you see as the key challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for international sports governance?
Dr. Meier: One of the key challenges is ensuring that governance structures remain equitable and uphold ethical standards in a fast-evolving landscape. However, the opportunities are equally significant. There’s potential for sports to drive social change and promote values like inclusivity and equality on a global stage.Interventions driven by fan engagement and broader societal implications can harness the power of sports for good.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Meier, for sharing your expertise. As we navigate this intricate balance between sports, governance, and societal values, your insights will undoubtedly help our readers understand the nuances better.
Dr. Meier: Thank you for the chance! It’s crucial for us to keep these conversations alive as we progress into the future of global sports.