Controversial cup incident prompts DFB chief to stress zero tolerance for racism: Racism should not be tolerated
In August 2025, the German Football Association (DFB) and FIFA took action against incidents of racism in German football, following reports of alleged racist abuse during German Cup matches in Leipzig and Potsdam [1][2].
The DFB swiftly initiated investigations after players reported receiving racist and xenophobic abuse, both in stadiums and online. For instance, Mainz announced its support for legal action against individuals who sent abusive racist messages targeting their Black French winger Arnaud Nordin and German midfielder Nadiem Amiri, who is of Afghan descent [1]. Similarly, Rot-Weiss Essen took measures by disabling comment sections on social media posts after racist messages were directed at their player Kelsey Owusu following a contentious game event [1].
FIFA President Gianni Infantino strongly condemned these incidents, labelling them as "unacceptable." He emphasized FIFA’s commitment to player protection and respect, stating that FIFA’s Players’ Voice Panel would coordinate with the German federation to ensure appropriate actions by competition organizers and law enforcement [2]. DFB President Bernd Neuendorf also confirmed that the federation initiated its own investigations into the incidents shortly after they were reported [2].
The game between Lok Leipzig and FC Schalke 04 was interrupted due to a reported racist incident, with the referee halting play for a few minutes [3]. The specific match ended in a 0:1 extra time loss for Schalke. During the game, the Leipzig police registered a total of 17 criminal offenses, including several cases of bodily harm and property damage [4]. The Leipzig police are currently investigating these incidents.
In the cup game between 1. FC Kaiserslautern and RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf in Potsdam, a player was also reportedly insulted, and both sets of fans chanted "Nazis out" [5]. Antwi-Adjei, a player from FC Schalke 04, has since filed a complaint regarding the racist incident during the game in Leipzig [6].
The DFB has been committed to numerous initiatives against racism and discrimination in football and society for years [7]. The authority and FIFA now expect clarification and punishment of the perpetrators from the DFB and the German police. Swift intervention by spectators and security services allowed for the identification of the perpetrator in Potsdam [8].
Responses to these incidents combined official investigations, condemnation from top football authorities, legal support for victims, and social media moderation to address racism in German football venues and digital spaces [1][2].
[1] BBC Sport
[2] The Guardian
[3] Deutsche Welle
[4] Süddeutsche Zeitung
[5] Tagesspiegel
[6] FAZ
[7] DFB website
[8] Police report
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