Ex-DFB captain criticizes society
“It hasn’t changed for the better”: Lahm hands it out
Updated 12/24/2024 – 7:37 p.mReading time: 2 min.
Philipp Lahm advocates for respect for referees and rule enforcers – not only in football, but also in society. He criticizes this.
Former soccer world champion Philipp Lahm is a fan of the anti-complaining rule. “The anti-complaining rule, which was immediately implemented by the DFB after the European Championships, is a good example. Something has happened! And when something happens in big football, it trickles down to the base. However, it takes time,” said the tournament director of the 2024 European Championships in Germany was interviewed by the media group “Münchner Merkur/tz”.
The anti-grievance rule states that only the team captains discuss the referee’s decisions with him. This means there are fewer delays in the game and less pack formation on the pitch.
We need “rules keepers, in sport as well as in society,” said the 41-year-old Lahm. “However, when dealing with the police, emergency services or fire brigade, you can see that rules often don’t count these days. Could you ever imagine that such people would be attacked in action? Our society has not changed for the better.”
For Lahm, world champion in 2014, the topic of refereeing is important. He also launched the “Meet the Ref” event series with his foundation and the Bavarian State Center for Civic Education. The aim is to bring clubs and referees into dialogue.
“There are clear rules in football, but everyone has to help together and support the referee in enforcing the rules. Clubs that have to act faster. Spectators that have to show moral courage. Coaches, parents, everyone has to be sensitized to this,” explained Lame.
The long-time Bayern professional has decided on a career as an official. The coaching role is not interesting for Lahm among the professionals, but he is involved in the youth sector at his hometown club FT Gern. “I’m in very good hands with the children, I have no ambition to get a coaching license. The role is perfect for me,” he said.