DFB President Bernd Neuendorf is hoping for the much-needed upswing in women’s and girls’ football from the European Championships in England.
“Overall we have to get better there. Of course I hope that the big tournaments, like the ones that are coming up now, will give a push into society and that we will make progress there,” said the 60-year-old of the German Press Agency.
The German Football Association has been struggling with youth problems in the female field for years. The national team missed out on participating in the 2019 World Cup quarterfinals. In the Bundesliga, the average attendance is still below 1000, while other top European leagues are making great strides in all areas.
“Women’s football is at the top of my agenda. It has to be,” Neuendorf assured. “Although we have good numbers in football overall, you have to say that we could use a lot more players in women’s and girls’ football. Significantly more girls in particular, but also referees and coaches.”
The new DFB boss will also be there at the start of the German women’s European Championship on July 8 (21.00 CEST/ZDF) in London-Brentford against Denmark. Other preliminary round opponents of national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s team are Spain (July 12) and Finland (July 16).
“It is important that women’s football becomes more visible,” said Neuendorf. “Our goal is also to bring the 2027 World Cup to Germany. I’ll work hard to make that happen.” The DFB is applying together with Belgium and the Netherlands for the title fights. The next World Cup will take place in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
The DFB had not been able to use the World Cup triumphs in 2003 and 2007 as well as the Olympic victory in 2016 for decisive progress. The effect of the home World Cup in 2011 had also fizzled out.