This visit would be explosive. The Turkish head of state Erdoğan is not supposed to sit in the stands during the DFB team’s international soccer match against Turkey – at least as of now.
As things stand, the German Football Association is not expecting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to visit the German national football team’s international match against Turkey in Berlin.
As the DFB confirmed to the German Press Agency, Erdogan is not part of the Turkish Football Association’s official delegation for the game on November 18th (8:45 p.m./RTL) in the Berlin Olympic Stadium. “The DFB is not aware that he will attend the game,” the association said.
Scholz isn’t in the stadium either
Erdogan is expected to travel to Berlin for a working meeting on November 17, the day before the game, at the invitation of Chancellor Olaf Scholz. There was therefore speculation that the self-confessed football fan Erdogan would combine his visit to Germany with a visit to the international match.
According to the DFB, Chancellor Scholz is currently not scheduled to attend the game. The encounter is practically sold out with more than 70,000 visitors. Numerous fans of the Turkish national team are expected.
Erdogan as a guest of honor at an international match would be an explosive matter for the DFB in terms of sports policy. In May 2018, the photos of national players Mesut Özil and İlkay Gündogan with the controversial politician shortly before the World Cup in Russia caused a scandal. The professionals were accused of being too close to the head of state of the country of their ancestors and lacking a clear commitment to Germany and the national team.
Özil also not in Berlin
There was a big break with Özil after the disappointing World Cup performance. The midfield star resigned from the DFB team amid allegations of racism against the association. Gündogan reacted more moderately and is now captain of the DFB team. The FC Barcelona professional should also lead the national team on the pitch in Berlin.
According to the DFB, Özil, who has now ended his professional career, is not scheduled to visit Berlin. At the last meeting with Turkey in Berlin, in October 2015, dressing room photos of then Chancellor Angela Merkel with Özil, who was shirtless, caused a stir in the DFB dressing room after the 3-0 win.
Source: Stern
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