The German Football Association will no longer refer to the German men’s selection as “The Team”, as the DFB announced. Reason: The nickname is discussed too critically and emotionally.
After seven years, the DFB abolishes the controversial “nickname” of the men’s national team. “Surveys and analyzes have shown that the name ‘The Team’ is well known. But the fact is that it is sometimes viewed critically and discussed emotionally in fan circles,” says a statement from the German Football Association. The decision to no longer refer to the team as “The Team” was unanimous in the Supervisory Board.
“Actually, everyone should stand behind ‘The Team'”
The debate about the term, which is often perceived as arrogant and technocratic, has been going on for as long as the name itself. A few weeks ago, DFB President Bernd Neuendorf announced that he would conduct a “representative survey” on the name. Their results are now available. “We analyzed the brand name. Opinions differ not only among the fans, but also within the DFB. This is a clear sign of the polarization of a name that everyone should actually rally behind,” said Neuendorf.
Most recently, there was even criticism of the name among the S20 support companies of the national team. “The team” was considered a failure there. But the head of Borussia Dortmund, Hans-Joachim Watzke, had spoken out against the name as head of the DFL supervisory board. DFB director Oliver Bierhoff, creator and supporter of the claim, said he wasn’t attached to the nickname.
Sources: DPA
Source: Stern
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