SPD boss Lars Klingbeil has clear expectations of the German Football Association (DFB) with regard to the controversial World Cup in Qatar.
“The World Cup is taking place. I also think it must take place with German participation. But it must not take place in a vacuum,” he told “SID” on Monday evening in Berlin: “We also have to deal with the political, the social and all address the circumstances there, and that’s what I expect from the DFB.”
On the fringes of the Sepp Herberger Awards ceremony in the capital, the politician emphasized that he was “grateful” that the DFB was “increasingly addressing” the human rights situation in Qatar.
Most recently, the human rights organizations Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International gave lectures to the national team. “It was a very important and serious event. I think it’s important to deal with this topic,” said the new DFB President Bernd Neuendorf.
According to the 60-year-old, football during the World Cup (November 21 to December 18) could help improve the situation on the ground.
So it is important “to strengthen those who we believe stand for an opening and for a more liberal course,” said Neuendorf: “Supporting these people in their concerns is an important step. They need this encouragement . That’s what football can do in a tournament like this.”