BVB Initiates Legal Proceedings Against AfD's Campaign Advertising
Borussia Dortmund Takes Legal Action Against AfD Over Campaign Sticker
Borussia Dortmund, the renowned German football club, has taken legal action against the far-right political party AfD for using the club's official colors in their local election materials in Dortmund.
The dispute began when the AfD distributed campaign stickers bearing the phrase "Beim Fußball schwarz-gelb – am Sonntag blau" ("In football black-yellow – on Sunday blue"), which combined Borussia Dortmund's black and yellow colors with the AfD's own blue color. Borussia Dortmund objected to this use, arguing that the club's brand and colors were being appropriated without permission and in a political context they did not endorse.
The club issued a cease-and-desist order to the AfD, which the party subsequently signed, agreeing not to distribute further materials using the slogan referencing the club's colors.
The legal action was reported around early August 2025, with the ban against use of the slogan effective in Dortmund’s local campaign. Borussia Dortmund views the sticker as an attempt to establish a connection between the club and a political stance, which contradicts its values. The club cannot accept the "appropriation" of its colors by the AfD, and does not want to allow the impression that it is associated with a political stance or voting behavior.
The AfD's politician Matthias Helferich, who was recently excluded from the NRW AfD, has stated that even if they lose legally, thousands of Dortmund fans will still vote for the AfD on September 14. The deadline for the AfD to sign the cease and desist declaration is Tuesday, August 5.
The iconic crest, club colors, and entire communication of Borussia Dortmund are held in a unique and world-renowned color combination of black and yellow. The legal action against the AfD's campaign sticker is a continuation of Borussia Dortmund's stance against the appropriation of the club's colors by the AfD.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund is facing challenges on the football field. The club is missing a defensive midfielder and is relying on an internal solution. There has been a decision on captaincy, according to the latest reports, and Borussia Dortmund's player Brandt has surprised on a new position, with coach Kovac expressing positivity.
References:
[1] Junge Freiheit, "BVB reagiert auf AfD-Sticker" (Borussia Dortmund reacts to AfD sticker), [date unknown]
[2] Spiegel Online, "Borussia Dortmund verhindert AfD-Sticker" (Borussia Dortmund prevents AfD sticker), 2 August 2025
[3] Sport Bild, "BVB verbotet AfD-Sticker" (BVB bans AfD sticker), 3 August 2025
- Despite the ongoing legal battle with the AfD over the unauthorized use of their colors in political campaign materials, Borussia Dortmund continues to grapple with issues on the sports field, notably missing a defensive midfielder and selecting a new captain.
- The recent political controversy, where Borussia Dortmund took legal action against the AfD for using the club's black and yellow colors in campaign stickers, has raised questions about the general-news landscape in Germany, with sports and politics merging in an unlikely discourse.
