Germany team director Rudi Völler rejected calls for a boycott of the upcoming World Cup in the United States, saying such measures only punish athletes and fans and achieve little. While acknowledging that some reports about political issues surrounding the tournament are “not pleasant,” Völler said the German Football Association (DFB) must focus on football and hopes the competition will remain calm.
“This discussion, which took place months ago, about whether we should discuss a boycott internally at the DFB – I’ve always considered that wrong,” Völler said. Recalling his stance as a young player in the early 1980s, he added that he opposed Olympic boycotts in 1980 and 1984 for the same reason. “It only harms the athletes and spectators and accomplishes nothing. But I agree that some of the things you read are not pleasant.
However, I’m optimistic and hope things remain calm and it will be a great World Cup.”
Völler also addressed the recent incident involving Somali referee Omar Artan, who was reportedly denied entry to the United States ahead of the tournament. “I would have preferred things to be different. We all heard about that, and it’s not pleasant to read. I can’t comment on the exact reasons why he wasn’t allowed in,” Völler said, noting his willingness to discuss political questions but insisting he did not have the full facts.
“We’re here to play in a World Cup, we want to play football,” he added. “That doesn’t mean we’re saying we don’t want to be involved or that we’re not politically interested – that’s simply not the case.” Völler conceded the German camp were not the right actors to resolve wider political disputes.
“We are the wrong people to ask about the problems that have occurred and those that may still arise. My gut feeling tells me this won’t be the last story. We’re trying to concentrate on football and play a good World Cup. We’ll see about the rest.”
By Ufuoma Idiasirue, Port Harcourt.
