World Cup in Qatar
DFB Director Oliver Bierhoff: “A boycott is not an option for us”
DFB director Oliver Bierhoff comments on the participation of the national soccer team in Qatar
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DFB director Oliver Bierhoff defends in an exclusive interview with the star the participation of the German national soccer team in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In purely sporting terms, the 53-year-old manager sees the team of national coach Hansi Flick already back in the world class: “France, Spain, Italy – I don’t think they would push us against the wall at the moment.”
Oliver Bierhoff, Director of National Teams at the German Football Association (DFB), spoke to the star pronounced against a boycott of the World Cup in Qatar. “We believe in the power of sport, which connects people, breaks down prejudices, ensures encounters and friendships beyond the duration of a world championship. Sport has the power to build bridges, stay in dialogue and initiate change, it already has often proven, “said Bierhoff in an interview with the star.
The host country Qatar has been criticizing for a long time. The situation of guest workers, the discrimination against women and homosexuals – the list of allegations by human rights organizations is long. Amnesty International recently reported that 15,000 guest workers have died since the World Cup was awarded, most of them under unexplained circumstances. Bierhoff said: “If these numbers are correct, they are of course terrifying. As the host and organizer of the tournament, it is up to FIFA to provide clarification.”
“Take an offensive stand for human rights”
At the European Championships last summer, the German national team positioned itself against discrimination with statements. Captain Manuel Neuer wore a rainbow armband, and the team made a statement against racism by dropping their knees. Bierhoff left it open whether similar campaigns are planned for the World Cup in Qatar: “I can’t say that at the moment, because the impetus for such campaigns comes directly from the team itself. We as the DFB don’t dictate anything from above, whatever would be wrong. We accompany such processes and provide information and clarification. I am glad that we have mature players. A sensitive team that knows that football is more than just sport and uses this stage to aggressively stand up for human rights. “
In terms of sport, Bierhoff sees the national team on the right path since Hansi Flick took over as national coach in August 2021. “We all feel a spirit of optimism and enthusiasm for the new path that Hansi has taken – in the stands, but also on the field. Perhaps the team also needed a change in the head coach position to get the package off their shoulders that she’s been dragging around for a while. “
Despite the early elimination of the DFB team at the EM 2021 (0: 2 against England in the round of 16), Bierhoff can not see a big gap to the world elite. “I see us at a high level, we have players who play in the Champions League at Bayern Munich or foreign clubs. France, Spain, Italy – I don’t think they would push us against the wall at the moment,” Bierhoff said star.
You can read the whole interview here.