After switching supplier to Nike, Robert Habeck accused the German Football Association of lacking “local patriotism”. At the meeting with the DFB bosses, the Federal Minister of Economics sets an example.
After his criticism of the German Football Association’s change of supplier, Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck met with the DFB bosses for an exchange and wore the national team’s pink and purple away jersey. “I decided on the pink blockbuster – I’d rather leave number 10 to Musiala on the pitch,” the Green politician wrote in a post on Instagram on Wednesday evening about a picture that showed him, DFB President Bernd Neuendorf and DFB Managing director Andreas Rettig shows.
In a second picture, the three pose smiling with the white Adidas home jersey, which has the number 10 on the back and Habeck’s name. “Thank you DFB for the good exchange. Kick-off is in 65 days – I’m looking forward to the European Championships and our DFB team,” Habeck continued.
Change of supplier
Adidas and the DFB – an era is coming to an end
Robert Habeck wanted more “local patriotism”
Regarding the change of supplier from Adidas to the US sporting goods giant Nike from 2027, Habeck said that he would have “wanted a bit more local patriotism” from the DFB. Adidas has its headquarters in Herzogenaurach. In response, Neuendorf said that the statements of some politicians had left him “a little bit stunned.” Habeck then appeared open to a conversation with Neuendorf about the association’s Nike deal. The meeting took place on Wednesday at the minister’s invitation, he said.
The DFB announced almost three weeks ago that the contract with long-term partner Adidas would expire at the end of 2026 after more than 70 years. Nike will equip the DFB from 2027 until the end of 2034. Neuendorf also justified the change with financial aspects as Nike’s offer was “far above” those of its competitors.
Apart from the Minister of Economic Affairs, many German citizens are also critical of the step: According to a Forsa survey, a majority of Germans do not like the change in supplier.
Source: Stern
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