/ DFB

DFB project against racism in amateur soccer celebrates its conclusion in Berlin

On November 24, 2025, the German Football Association (DFB) presented the results of its "Project for effective and sustainable anti-racism work in German amateur soccer" at the An der Alten Försterei stadium at Bundesliga club 1. After three years, the project, which was launched in 2023 together with the North-East German Football Association (NOFV) and Maccabi Germany, will now end on December 31, 2025.

The aim was to develop and test practical and needs-based measures against racism in amateur soccer. The anti-racism project in amateur soccer was based on two pillars: a hands-on campaign for fans under the motto "Football time is the best time against racism" and a comprehensive package of measures for amateur clubs. This has been successfully tested in the NOFV pilot region over the past few months.

"Football brings millions of people together every week, which is precisely why we need to create structures that leave no room for racism and discrimination," says DFB 1st Vice President Ronny Zimmermann. "We have taken an important step with this project: we are empowering clubs to take preventative action and live a culture of respect and diversity. The results show that we can counter discrimination even more effectively with clear structures and shared responsibility."

Two people sit in a round table, holding microphones; red glasses and another microphone are on the table. Photo: DFB/Getty Images
Event participant Safa Semsary is an anti-discrimination officer and trainer at Polar Penguin and project manager of Ready. Set. Coach. at the BFV. Photo: DFB/Getty Images

High approval rate

The results of the past few years are impressive: During the pilot phase, more than 1,150 amateur representatives were reached and 75 measures were implemented to raise awareness and strengthen clubs in dealing with racism. The evaluation shows a high level of effectiveness: 85% of participants rate the measures positively, 86% feel more competent in dealing with racism and 87% would recommend the offers to others.

The closing event in Berlin brought together committed voices who are campaigning for diversity and respect in soccer. In two panel discussions, Ronny Zimmermann, Natalie Pawlik, Federal Government Commissioner for Migration, Refugees and Integration and sponsor of the project, and Alon Meyer, President of Maccabi Germany, shared their perspectives. The panel was joined by NOFV President Herman Winkler, Safa Semsary, anti-discrimination officer and trainer at Polar Pinguin, and Lina Mitschke, Co-Managing Director for Political Communication, Project Manager NAR at EOTO e.V. and member of the project advisory board. Together, they discussed the strategic importance of the project and the experiences gained from its practical implementation.

The event marked the end of the pilot phase, but the work continues. The measures developed are now to be adapted for future nationwide implementation in order to establish a sustainable structure for anti-racism work in amateur soccer in the long term.

Two people hold a red soccer jersey with the inscription "Mission Inklusion" in front of a wall with a red figure and big eyes. Photo: BFV
Pfeffersport, represented here by Lukas Kaulbarsch (l.), was also involved in the DFB anti-racism project and won the project's internal competition. Here is the prize presentation with Özgür Özvatan, BFV Vice President for Social Responsibility. Photo: BFV

Kategorien: DFB

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