The new football season began last weekend with the first round of the DFB Cup. And as so often before, the DFB came up with something that fans can only shake their heads at. This time all games started a minute later than the usual kick-off time. The association explained that it was a “climate action day” and that this one minute should be used to make stadium announcements about climate protection and sustainability. In addition, the clubs and the association collected money to donate to climate protection organizations.
Interesting, the fan thinks. Because wasn’t there something? Yes, a World Cup during our Christmas season in Qatar in scorching heat in fully air-conditioned stadiums. And the DFB is participating. Clear words of criticism are missing. The association recently announced that its so-called national team fan club will not be staying in Qatar, but in Dubai. The members of this fan club are therefore flown more than 500 kilometers to every Flick-Elf game and then 500 kilometers back again. Sustainability: None.
We are therefore talking about a World Cup where, in addition to human rights, climate protection and sustainability are trampled underfoot. A World Cup for which there will be an additional 160 shuttle flights back and forth to neighboring Gulf States every day because there are not enough hotel rooms. No word from the DFB on that either. Because you toast a minute later and dedicate the campaign to »climate protection«.
When will the DFB finally understand that there is no need for symbolic measures that do not hurt, but for clear edge and honesty?
»Sport free!« from the fan advocate.
