“Keeping players very busy”: Bierhoff keeps the door open for a reaction to the “One Love” ban

The Zoff about the “One Love” bandage superimposes the sporting events at the World Cup. It is also the dominant topic before the German opening game against Japan. Many are demanding a reaction from the DFB on the pitch. This actually seems possible.

A German reaction to the ban on the “One Love” bandage appears possible around the first World Cup game of the national soccer team against Japan (2 p.m. / ARD, MagentaTV and in the ntv.de live ticker). “We’ll see. That kept the players very busy,” said DFB managing director Oliver Bierhoff a few hours before kick-off on ARD, avoiding a denial of possible actions when asked.

After a meeting with German fans, DFB President Bernd Neuendorf confirmed that the association was currently examining “legal steps” against the ban by world governing body FIFA. But the lawsuit isn’t on the way yet. According to Neuendorf, FIFA wrote a few hours before kick-off to the DFB request that “the referee would have to react” if the bandage was worn: “FIFA also reserves the right to call the Disciplinary Committee, which can then impose further penalties if necessary “.

Women’s national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg pointed out on Tuesday evening as a ZDF expert that wearing the bandage was only banned on the lawn, but not in the stands. She said that, as is well known, some representatives of the DFB were sitting there and that they could present the bandage.

At the same time, Bierhoff asked for understanding: “Ultimately, the players are always being criticized. Of course, that hurts in one place or another because you think: when is it enough and when can I concentrate on the World Cup.”

The DFB received support from the Federal Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, who had traveled to Qatar. She attacked FIFA fiercely and is hoping for a defiant reaction from the DFB. “I criticize FIFA’s actions in the strongest terms,” ??said Faeser. “I hope that it will be legally clarified whether the ban is permissible – and that it will come out that it is not permissible.”

When asked whether it would be a “strong sign” if German captain Manuel Neuer were to wear the armband despite threats of punishment from FIFA for the DFB and its allied associations, the SPD politician had previously said: “That would be it. I wish the associations hadn’t given in.” In Faeser’s opinion, German football has “taken a lot of damage” from the scandal surrounding the bandage. The minister responsible for sport blames the world association for this.

“The damage could be repaired by FIFA changing its mind and taking a different stance. The decision is a huge mistake. It’s completely out of time,” said Faeser: “I urgently appeal to FIFA to make their decision We live in the 21st century. It must be possible nowadays to stand up for openness, diversity and against discrimination.”

Faeser also welcomed the protest movement against FIFA that formed after the “One Love” ban. “Many people are resisting the decision. Together we can make a difference.”