Brian McDonald
Berlin — A recent survey conducted for a sports program broadcast by a regional public broadcaster in Germany revealed that one in five Germans (21% of respondents) would prefer to see more white players on the German national football team. The poll carried out for West Germany’s WDR network’s “Sport Inside” program drew sharp criticism, with national team coach Julian Nagelsmann among those who expressed shock.
National team player Joshua Kimmich called the survey question “absolute nonsense” and “racist.”
Kimmich emphasized the power of football as a unifier between nations, races and religions and expressed his appreciation for the team’s diversity.
“I would miss a lot of players if they weren’t here. [survey] is absolutely racist and has no place in our dressing room,” he said at a press conference at Germany’s training camp for the UEFA Champions League tournament in Bavaria.
Federico Gambarini/image alliance/Getty
His coach, Nagelsmann, agreed with this criticism.
“It’s absolutely racist and crazy for a public broadcaster to ask such a question,” he said. “We need to be aware of the plight of people who have sought refuge from war, economic hardship and environmental disasters.”
The research was carried out as part of a documentary titled “Unity, Justice and Diversity”, which explores the growing representation of migrants in the German national team in recent decades. WDR head of sports Karl Valks explained that the survey aimed to provide solid data on the subject and, although he also expressed dismay at the results, said they reflected the current social situation in Germany.
The majority of respondents (65%) disagreed with the statement that they would prefer more white players in the national team. Two-thirds of respondents were positive about the team’s diverse makeup, with 66% appreciating the inclusion of footballers of foreign origin.
The survey also found that 17% of respondents thought it was a shame that the current captain of the German football team, Ilkay Gündoğan, has Turkish roots. But 67% disagreed with this statement.
The controversy surrounding the inquiry has sparked a wider discussion about racism and diversity in Germany, highlighting an ongoing debate about how to deal with immigration and the integration of migrants into society.
The timing of the survey is also significant as Germany prepares to host the UEFA European Championships from June 14 to July 14.
“I am committed to my team, which is made up of players from diverse backgrounds, including black players. Any player capable of performing at a high level is welcome to join the national team and contribute to their country,” said Nagelsmann during a press conference at the training ground.
The documentary “Unity, Justice and Diversity” will be shown on June 5th on WDR, which is a regional branch of the German national broadcaster ARD.
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