The German government has resolved its position on the controversy surrounding the possibility of boycotting the World Cup soccer tournament scheduled to be held in the United States, stressing its complete rejection of any calls to boycott the global event, and the necessity of separating sports from political differences.
Christian Schinderlein, Minister of State for Sports in Germany, confirmed that Berlin does not support the idea of a boycott in any way, stressing that this approach was clearly agreed upon within the corridors of the German government.
Schinderlein said in statements to the German newspaper “Süddeutsche Zeitung” that the boycott is “a completely rejected option” for the government, explaining that relations with the United States are managed according to the principles of foreign policy, and sports should not be included in this context.
The German minister added that major sporting tournaments, especially the World Cup, should remain a space for sporting competition only, far from any political considerations or conflicts, stressing that the primary focus should be on the game itself and the sporting and human values it offers.
Schinderlein pointed out that the next World Cup will not be held in the United States alone, but will also be hosted by Canada and Mexico, which gives the event a broader international character and reduces its confinement to the framework of one country or a specific policy.
She explained that the German government is fully aware of the recent debate surrounding the boycott, especially in light of some controversial political issues, including US President Donald Trump’s statements regarding the island of Greenland, in addition to the military operation that Venezuela witnessed at the beginning of last January.
Oki Gottlich, Vice President of the German Football Association and President of St. Pauli, recently sparked controversy by calling for at least a discussion to be opened about the idea of a boycott, which brought the issue back to the forefront within sports and media circles in Germany.
However, Schinderlein stressed that making such decisions does not fall within the government’s jurisdiction, stressing Berlin’s full respect for the independence of sports institutions.
The Minister of State for Sports confirmed that the final decision regarding participation or boycott rests primarily with the German Football Association and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), as they are the two bodies competent to organize and manage the affairs of the game.
She concluded her statements by emphasizing that sports must maintain its independence and take charge of how to deal with such issues, away from any direct political pressure.
