The decision over Germany’s national candidate for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036, 2040, or 2044 is proceeding without the participation of footballer Leon Goretzka. The 31-year-old midfielder had to cancel his attendance at the extraordinary general assembly of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) in Baden-Baden at short notice because of an ongoing injury, as his new club, Aston Villa, requires him to remain at the club for rehabilitation training.
Goretzka, who previously played for FC Bayern München, held a voting right at the assembly as a personal DOSB member. Following Berlin’s earlier withdrawal from the race due to political shifts and the election victory of the Left party, the contest for the official German candidature narrowed down to a direct duel between München and Köln-Rhein-Ruhr.
Additional Absences Reduce Voting Pool in Baden-Baden
Goretzka’s absence is not an isolated incident at the Baden-Baden assembly. Two other personal DOSB members, mono-skier Anna Schaffelhuber and canoe polo player Elena Gilles, are also unable to attend the vote. Consequently, the total number of votes to be cast at the meeting decreases from 144 to 141.
The structure of the election grants the 42 Olympic umbrella sports associations three votes each to support their preferred candidate. In addition, members of the DOSB executive committee each hold a single vote in the decision-making process.
Berlin’s Exit Clears Path for München and Köln-Rhein-Ruhr
The assembly follows the exit of Berlin from the bidding process, a development that drew public reaction from city officials. „Heute ist ein trauriger Tag für Berlin. Olympische und Paralympische Spiele wären eine Riesenchance für Berlin und für Ostdeutschland gewesen“, stated Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) upon announcing the capital’s withdrawal.”
Berlin’s Olympic commissioner Kaweh Niroomand pointed to political shifts as the decisive factor behind the termination of the city’s bid. „Was die Verbände von uns verlangt haben, konnten wir ihnen nicht bieten – nämlich politische Stabilität. Wir wollten nicht in Baden-Baden mit einer einstelligen Stimmenanzahl aus der Runde gehen“, explained Niroomand, noting that the city’s prospects dissolved following the political changes.”
With Berlin out of contention, the delegates in Baden-Baden evaluate the remaining concepts presented by München and Köln-Rhein-Ruhr to determine which region advances as Germany’s official applicant for upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games cycles.
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