Saudi Arabia is not an option to host a DFB Cup final for DFB boss Bernd Neuendorf.
DFL boss “Ms. Hopfen said she didn’t want to rule out the possibility of a Supercup final there. But such games have to stay in Germany. The DFB Cup final belongs in Berlin. Point,” said the President of the German Football Association Bunds in an interview with the weekly newspaper “Die Zeit”. “We need proximity to the fans and acceptance for our sport,” Neuendorf demanded.
In an interview at the beginning of February, DFL boss Donata Hopfen did not rule out both playoffs in the Bundesliga and a German Supercup in Saudi Arabia.
Even with investor offers in the eight-digit dollar range, the DFB boss would not change his mind. “Not everything is a question of price,” emphasized the President. He could also say “no”. “The sport as a whole needs to do that again.”
“The situation in Qatar is unsatisfactory”
With a view to the World Cup in Qatar at the end of the year, Neuendorf is of the opinion that World Cup tournaments should no longer be awarded to countries that disregard human rights. “Basically it’s very simple: If we look at our statutes to see what values and principles are anchored there, then you have to live and represent them. That’s what I stand for. Especially with regard to the selection of countries for major sporting events,” said the 60 year old.
“The situation in Qatar is unsatisfactory,” admitted Neuendorf. “There may be progress on the construction sites of the World Cup stadiums, but that only affects two percent of migrant workers. There are legitimate doubts as to whether these improvements will take effect across the board. The laws have been partially changed, but there are problems with implementation,” said the DFB boss.
Qatar has been criticized for years because of the situation for foreign workers. Most recently, human rights organizations had clearly criticized the progress. The government of the emirate refers to the new legislation.