German sport no longer has to fear serious cuts in federal funding in the Olympic year of 2024, sports committee chairman Frank Ullrich gave the all-clear.
“Together we have already succeeded in reversing the entire cuts of around 10 percent in the sports budget”said the SPD politician to the German Press Agency (DPA). “Our housekeepers have found good solutions for sport.” There is even an increase in funding of 15.3 million euros in important areas.
“A large part of the reductions initially in question for the promotion of elite sports have already been averted in the parliamentary process so far.”confirmed the Federal Ministry of the Interior responsible for sport.
According to the current status, in the financial year 2024 “in the context of the federal government’s indirect and direct sports funding” Over 1 billion euros are already available. Around 300 million euros are expected to flow back into top-class sport. “There can be no talk of cuts in the sports budget”said Ullrich.
SPD politician Gerster: Doubts about agency solution
Much ado about nothing or happy too soon? Finally, the traffic light coalition’s sports budget is still subject to change and will be put to the test at the budget committee’s adjustment meeting on Thursday (November 16, 2023) in Berlin.
Martin Gerster (SPD) has raised doubts as to whether everything the BMI will submit and the German Olympic Sports Confederation wants will be approved. He questioned the structure of the sports agency to promote and control top-class sport and the 600,000 euros earmarked for its development.
The agency is the core of the new elite sports reform. What is controversial is not so much the financing, but rather “the position of the budget legislator in the agency”, explained Gerster. In view of the around 300 million euros in federal funds, the distribution of which is to be decided by the sports agency, he believes this is necessary. “The big issue is the sports agency – and the DOSB has other wishes”said the budget politician.
The Federal Audit Office warns
It remains to be seen whether the agency project will be stopped, approved only under certain conditions or approved. “I don’t see the fact that the budget committee has not yet released any funds for the sports agency as a setback”said Ullrich. “On the contrary, it is necessary that unresolved questions are discussed in advance. This includes, above all, the parliamentary participation of the Bundestag.”
The Federal Audit Office has in the report “Selected aspects of the reform of elite sports funding” from October 26th even warned: “Before establishing a sports agency as a public foundation, the BMI must prove that this form of organization is cost-effective compared to other solutions.”
“Promotion of elite sports an elementary component”
The DOSB’s wish list for the donor was long, much of it will be fulfilled thanks to some budget refinements, some things are still open. The increase in sports funds of 15.3 million that Ullrich praised was achieved, among other things, through funds that were already approved for 2022 or 2023, were not used and could be transferred to the next year.
Disabled sports, competitive sports personnel, the German Athletes Association and top athletes benefit from this with more individual support.
Only after violent protests will the sports institutes for sports equipment research (FES) and for applied training sciences (IAT) not only continue to be funded as before, but also with an additional 5.4 million euros. “Promotion of elite sports is an essential part of the financing of competitive sports in Germany, so that German athletes will continue to be among the world’s best in international sports in the future.”said the BMI. “So of course every euro you spend counts.”
The Bundestag decides on the sports budget
It is not clear whether further demands from the DOSB will still be approved at the adjustment meeting: financial support for measures before the 2024 Summer Games in Paris and the exploration of a possible Olympic bid. “I think it is necessary that investments are made despite the strained budget situation. Clear commitments are needed, especially before the Olympic and Paralympic Games and a possible Olympic bid.”demanded Ullrich.
The final decision on the sports budget will be made in the Bundestag: The budget is scheduled to be passed on December 1st.