German football tackles racism ahead of Euro 2024

The German football federation has unveiled a comprehensive campaign aimed at combating racism and discrimination among fans and amateur football players, coinciding with the buildup to this summer’s European Championship. Launched on Monday, the campaign includes a video under the theme “Football time is the best time against racism,” and invites fans to engage via social media. Additionally, a pilot project introducing anti-racist initiatives to amateur clubs within the Northeast German Football Association has commenced, with plans to expand this effort beyond 2025.

Federation president Bernd Neuendorf emphasized the collective responsibility in tackling racism, highlighting the role of spectators and parents in youth football to increase awareness. Neuendorf’s statements were made during his visit to Berlin’s SFC Stern 1900, underscoring the importance of addressing racism not only in professional but also in amateur football, recognizing it as a broader societal issue.

The federation’s response to online hate directed at Germany’s Under-17 World Cup-winning team last year includes collaboration with Frankfurt’s public prosecutor’s office to identify those responsible for such abuses.

Former German national team player Gerald Asamoah, victim of racist abuse himself, expressed optimism about using Euro 2024 as an opportunity for change and stressed the importance of civic courage in confronting racism. Asamoah highlighted the shift in political and federation-level attention towards racism compared to his earlier experiences, including incidents of racism during his youth and professional career.

Reem Alabali-Radovan, Germany’s federal commissioner for migration, refugees, and integration, pointed out how local football clubs often serve as initial social touchpoints for migrants in Germany, where they face localized racist incidents. She called attention to the pervasive nature of racism in various facets of German life, including sports.

The campaign’s launch, attended by Asamoah and young players from Stern in cold weather, was marked by a shared hope for a future where such anti-racism initiatives are unnecessary, envisioning a society free of racism where everyone is treated equally.