National team Rettig rejects political criticism of the DFB
DFB managing director Andreas Rettig rejects criticism from German politicians about the change of supplier. photo
© Jürgen Kessler/dpa
The DFB’s change of supplier is causing a huge stir. The statements from politicians anger Andreas Rettig – he criticizes the Minister of Economics and points out the financial situation.
DFB managing director Andreas Rettig has clearly rejected criticism from German politicians about the controversial change of supplier from Adidas to Nike. The official of the German Football Association also expressed surprise at statements made by Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck.
“I was very surprised that politicians, without any knowledge and, above all, without the facts, would lean so far out of the populist window. I have to honestly say that is a new quality,” said Rettig (60) at ran. “You have to say clearly: it might have been better to remain silent at some point or another.”
Two and a half months before the start of the home European Championship, the DFB surprisingly announced that the contract with long-term partner Adidas would expire at the end of 2026 after more than 70 years. From 2027 until the end of 2034, US rival Nike will equip the DFB. Numerous politicians criticized this, Green Party politician Habeck said he would have “wished for a bit more local patriotism.”
Financially a significant increase
“To make such a statement without knowing the general conditions and the process is quite surprising – that an economics minister would make such a statement,” said Rettig. According to a report by the “Handelsblatt” citing industry circles, Nike’s involvement with the DFB will cost more than 100 million euros per year. Adidas is said to have paid 50 million euros annually to the association so far.
The offers were “not remotely comparable,” said Rettig without giving specific figures. “We have a responsibility for many hundreds of employees, we have a responsibility for the regional associations, for the grassroots. So you shouldn’t blame us for making such a decision in an economic situation.”
dpa
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