German Football Association VP slams government over slow replacement of sports minister

Hermann Winkler, vice president of the German Football Association (DFB) and president of the Northeast German Football Association (NOFV), has sharply criticized the federal government for its sluggishness in filling the vacant sports minister position. Winkler described the situation as "untenable," emphasizing that sports appear to be the lowest priority for the government.

The role of Minister of State for Sport in the Chancellery has been empty for nearly a month following the dismissal of Christiane Schenderlein (CDU) by Chancellor Friedrich Merz three weeks prior. Schenderlein has since been appointed parliamentary state secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health.

Winkler argued that not only clubs and associations facing difficult economic conditions need political support, but also upcoming sport-political decisions on national and international levels, such as Olympic bids or the Grand Départ of the Tour de France, require political backing. He stressed the importance of having a government contact point for major sporting events hosted in Germany.

Schenderlein told regional newspapers that Merz informed her of the decision by phone while she was returning from vacation. She stated Merz was satisfied with her work but desired a new direction for the office, seeking a figure with greater public recognition. Merz's decision has reportedly caused discontent within East German CDU associations, with Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer publicly criticizing the move. The cabinet reshuffle was reportedly triggered by the withdrawal of parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn.