DFB President Bernd Neuendorf defends the decision to wear the traditional captain’s armband. He vehemently rejects praise from the right. The head of the association has high hopes for Rudi Völler.
According to DFB President Bernd Neuendorf, the decision to return to a black, red and gold captain’s armband was also pushed by the players of the national soccer team.
“We also agreed, also with Joshua Kimmich, who is the new captain. And ultimately the team wanted it in such a way that they said: We somehow want to concentrate on football and on the sport,” Neuendorf told TV station RTL/ntv.
After the quarrels about the One Love armband at the World Cup in Qatar, Kimmich will lead the DFB team on Saturday (8.45 p.m. / ZDF) in the EM test international match against Peru in Mainz with the traditional captain’s armband in the German national colors.
DFB boss: “Germany flag stands for the Basic Law”
Neuendorf, who was unable to assert himself in the World Cup dispute with FIFA about the socio-political symbolism of the bandage, now welcomed this decision. “And I personally have to honestly say that I can go with it, because I believe: What does the German flag stand for? The German flag stands for me, for our free democratic basic order. For me, the German flag stands for the Basic Law,” said the 61-year-old.
Neuendorf defended itself against renewed political appropriation. “And if you look at our constitution, then there are the values that the DFB also stands for, namely diversity and tolerance and such aspects – that’s what the German flag stands for for me and not what some from the right-wing spectrum like to see in it see,” emphasized the former SPD politician.
The focus should be on football again for the national team. “We also have a lot to make up for,” emphasized Neuendorf in view of the early failure of the World Cup and the European Championships at home in the summer of 2024. The head of the association described being able to hire Rudi Völler as the new DFB sports director as a great benefit. “He’s someone who, in addition to all his sporting experience, fits this team very well as a person, who’s good for them, who picks up the young players and who has his heart in the right place,” said Neuendorf. (dpa)