/ Social responsibility

For soccer that is critical of discrimination: BFV and VDK enter into comprehensive cooperation

The Berliner Fußball-Verband (BFV) and the Verein für Demokratische Kultur in Berlin e. V. (VDK) with its projects Mobile Beratung gegen Rechtsextremismus Berlin (MBR), Berlin gegen Nazis (BGN) and RIAS Berlin have signed a far-reaching cooperation agreement. The aim of the partnership is to consistently strengthen Berlin soccer against right-wing extremist, anti-Semitic and anti-democratic tendencies and to create a safe, diverse and non-discriminatory environment for all participants on and off the pitch.

The partner organizations intend to work closely together to support all those involved in Berlin soccer, such as coaches, referees, officials and players, in recognizing and resolutely countering inhumane attitudes. Amateur soccer can be a potential field of activity for right-wing extremists and other anti-democratic groups, which is why the consistent establishment and further development of prevention and intervention structures by the BFV and its member clubs is essential.

In addition to the joint public positioning and professional exchange between the cooperation partners, Berlin soccer clubs in particular should benefit from the collaboration. Educational materials, handouts and digital information formats are to be jointly developed and events such as specialist days, network meetings and qualification formats are to be offered.

"We want to empower our member associations to build resilient structures"

Three people sit at a table and sign documents together in front of colorful sports motifs. Photo: BFV
In addition to the joint public positioning and professional exchange between the cooperation partners, Berlin's soccer clubs in particular should benefit from the collaboration. Photo: BFV

Bernd Schultz, President of the Berlin Football Association:
"Football can make an important contribution to social cohesion and the promotion of democratic values. In order to utilize this potential, we must resolutely counter anti-democratic efforts. Together with the VDK and its projects, we want to empower our member clubs to recognize inhuman attitudes and build resilient structures."

Bianca Klose, Managing Director of VDK e.V. and MBR project manager:
"Our long-standing cooperation with the BFV has been institutionalized and made sustainable by the agreement reached. We welcome the fact that a player that is so important for coexistence in our city continues to be aware of its responsibility and wants to stand up for a democratic culture - whether on or off the pitch. Right-wing extremists also try to spread their ideology there, whether as club members or fans. It is important to recognize right-wing extremism, racism and anti-Semitism, both for the implementation of usage regulations and for the clubs' ability to act - the MBR supports the BFV with its training courses."

Katja Teich, project manager of Berlin gegen Nazis:
"Together with the BFV, we launched the 'No place for racism and anti-Semitism' campaign in 2020, in which over 50 clubs took a public stand. The large banners still hang in many places today. Even beyond this campaign, it is important to us to continue supporting the clubs in their democratic stance and practices. Close cooperation with the BFV will also be essential in the future."

Julia Kopp, RIAS Berlin project manager:
"After a soccer match in Neukölln, a youth team was insulted and attacked in an anti-Semitic manner. In Marzahn-Hellersdorf, fans were insulted as 'Jewish pigs' by opposing fans in a pub after a game. In Spandau, there was a sticker from the fan scene showing a caricature of a Jew in a soccer shirt being slapped. Recording anti-Semitic incidents in the soccer context is important: it helps to make anti-Semitism visible and contributes to raising awareness among the general public, but also in the Berlin soccer world. Soccer also needs players who take a clear stance against anti-Semitism."

Kategorien: Social responsibility

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