Federal authorities are probing discriminatory occurrences in the football tournament - Investigation Underway: Allegations of Racism being probed in the Cup Tournament by DFB
Racist Incidents Prompt Investigations and FIFA Condemnation in German Football
Two separate incidents of racist abuse were reported during recent DFB Cup matches, with clubs in Leipzig and Potsdam under scrutiny. The German Football Association (DFB) and police are investigating these incidents, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly condemned the racism.
During the Lok Leipzig vs. FC Schalke 04 match, guest player Christopher Antwi-Adjei reported hearing a racist slur from the stands. In Potsdam, a player was insulted during the cup match between 1. FC Kaiserslautern and RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf.
Following the Potsdam incident, Antwi-Adjei was subjected to boos from many Leipzig fans whenever he touched the ball. In response, both sets of fans in Potsdam chanted "Nazis out." Referee Max Burda paused the game for a few minutes following Antwi-Adjei's report.
The DFB has initiated an investigation into racism incidents during DFB Cup matches in Leipzig and Potsdam. In Potsdam, the quick intervention of spectators and security personnel led to the identification of the culprit. Antwi-Adjei has since filed a complaint, and the police have launched an investigation into the matter.
The German police are also investigating at least one incident of racist abuse during the stadium matches. The investigation will involve proceedings against the respective clubs involved in the incidents.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino sharply condemned the incidents, stating that football must have no place for racism or any discrimination. He affirmed FIFA’s commitment to player protection and stated that FIFA’s Players’ Voice Panel would remain in contact with the German Football Association to ensure thorough follow-up.
Clubs affected by the incidents, such as Mainz, have pledged to support their players in pursuing legal actions against online racist abusers, highlighting broader social media abuse linked to these incidents.
No specific punitive measures against the Leipzig or Potsdam clubs have been publicly detailed yet, but the active involvement of law enforcement and football authorities suggests ongoing steps to address both stadium and online racist abuse.
Infantino expects the DFB and the German police to clarify the incidents and punish the culprits. The cup match in Potsdam took place at the Karl-Liebknecht-Stadion in Potsdam, and the total of 17 criminal offenses were registered during the Leipzig match, including several assaults and property damage.
This reflects a serious response within German football and the international community to confront racism in both stadium environments and online arenas. The investigations are ongoing, and the DFB and German police are expected to take action in response to the incidents in both Leipzig and Potsdam.
The Commission could propose a directive on the labelling of foodstuffs, emphasizing zero tolerance towards racism, as football incidents in Leipzig and Potsdam have raised concerns, similar to the booing of Christopher Antwi-Adjei during a sports match like football. This directive could also extend to address online abuse, just as clubs like Mainz have pledged to support their players against racist comments on social media platforms.
