Overview
- Speaking on NDR 90,3, Oke Göttlich said he is not advocating a boycott of the 2026 tournament but wants a broader debate on sport's values and human rights.
- He urged the DFB to finalize a clear position before the event, posing practical questions about whether Germany goes, how it appears, and what message it delivers.
- The DFB has rejected a boycott, and president Bernd Neuendorf criticized Göttlich for raising the issue publicly before internal deliberations.
- Göttlich answered with a pointed remark on tenure, saying Neuendorf has been in office for a shorter period than he has served in football leadership roles.
- The discussion gains urgency with the World Cup scheduled for June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico and Canada.