the German team still at the mercy of a controversy over racism?

According to a survey, one in five Germans would like to see more white footballers in the national team.

“Do we need more white players in the selection?” The question, resulting from a survey carried out by the German public television channel, ARD, shocks across the Rhine. Above all, its result. Among the 1,304 Germans surveyed, 21% responded “Yes”. Enough to create a lively controversy, a few days before the Euro football tournament, which will be held in Germany, from June 14 to July 14. At a press conference on Sunday June 2, the German coach, Julian Nagelsmann, even expressed his desire to “never read such a shitty investigation again”.

“It must be understood that the poll initially created controversy because it was published on the Instagram account of the ARD TV show ‘Sportschau’, like that, without context”, says Dennis Melzer, journalist for Eurosport Germany. The investigation was carried out as part of a documentary entitled Unity, justice and diversity, the national team between racism and identificationwhich deals with the evolution of the German team in recent years.

“The poll and its result also shockedcontinues the German football specialist, “because it’s been completely normal for several years for there to be players on the national team who are black, who have Turkish, Tunisian, or even Afghan origins.” And to cite the cases of Bayern Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah or former German international Gerald Asamoah“who have been victims of racism”.

But, for the journalist, the controversy, “very present in the media” should not taint the Euro. “As soon as the competition starts, this debate will be forgotten, because in Germany, many people, media and politicians believe that football must be dissociated from politics”, he emphasizes. According to him, the Germans also want to give a good image of the country through the tournament, as was the case in 2006, with the Football World Cup.

The national team, for its part, continues its preparation. Opposed to Ukraine in a friendly match (0-0), Monday June 3, it was not very convincing. However, Dennis Melzer sees no connection with the current controversy. “I don’t think it has any impact on the team’s performance,” he believes.

It must be said that the question of racism in football is recurrent in Germany. “When Mesut Ozil had taken a photo with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, this also created an important debate. People said he wasn’t German and should play for Turkey.”recalls the journalist. Exhausted by these attacks, the former Real Madrid leader decided to no longer play for the national team.

In the event of a defeat at the Euro, this controversy could however be brought back to the table. Because if Dennis Melzer is cautious about the idea of ​​linking societal and political debates and sporting results, some have not failed to see this as a reason for Germany’s elimination in the first round at the last World Cup, in Qatar.