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German football associations skeptical over Klopp's Red Bull ties as national coach
🇩🇪 Germany /Sports

German football associations skeptical over Klopp's Red Bull ties as national coach

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Jürgen Klopp is reportedly close to becoming the new German national football team coach.
  • Several regional football associations are skeptical about the terms of his potential appointment, particularly his continued role as a brand ambassador for Red Bull.
  • Concerns exist that Klopp's dual role could compromise the team's independence and alienate fans.

Jürgen Klopp is reportedly on the verge of being appointed as the new head coach of the German national football team, with a contract reportedly set to run until the 2030 World Cup and a salary of seven million euros per year. However, the potential deal faces significant skepticism from several regional associations within the German Football Federation (DFB).

The core of the concern lies in an alleged agreement that would allow Klopp to continue his role as a brand ambassador for the Red Bull group while managing the national team. This arrangement is seen by some as a way to avoid a hefty severance payment from the DFB to Red Bull, as Klopp is already under contract with the company until 2029 in his capacity as Head of Global Soccer.

As a football fan and member of FC St. Pauli, I have never understood Klopp's involvement with Red Bull, it can't really be about money anymore.

— Uwe DöringPresident of the Schleswig-Holstein Football Association, expressing his bewilderment at the financial aspects of the potential deal.

Regional officials express unease about the financial scale of the deal, with some questioning the justification for such high salaries and severance packages, especially given the potential for non-performance-related payouts. "As a football fan and member of FC St. Pauli, I have never understood Klopp's involvement with Red Bull, it can't really be about money anymore," said Uwe Döring, president of the Schleswig-Holstein Football Association. He warned that the situation could alienate fans, stating, "Hopefully, the screw isn't turned too far, many are already turning away."

The Red Bull group, which sponsors numerous football clubs globally, has faced criticism for its influence in sports and for encouraging risky stunts. The financial implications and the potential conflict of interest arising from Klopp's continued association with Red Bull are major points of contention for the DFB's regional bodies, who feel such sums are difficult to justify to grassroots football communities.

Hopefully, the screw isn't turned too far, many are already turning away.

— Uwe DöringPresident of the Schleswig-Holstein Football Association, warning about the potential to alienate fans.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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