Bundesliga stars form players' alliance after Covid-19 crisis

The alliance, which encompasses men's and women's football at various levels, features among others Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels (left), Sven Bender of Bayer Leverkusen, Neven Subotic of Union Berlin und Wolfsburg's Alexandra Popp. Photo: Bernd Thissen/Pool via AP

The alliance, which encompasses men's and women's football at various levels, features among others Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels (left), Sven Bender of Bayer Leverkusen, Neven Subotic of Union Berlin und Wolfsburg's Alexandra Popp. Photo: Bernd Thissen/Pool via AP

Published Jun 18, 2020

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BERLIN - Some of Germany's top football players have formed an

alliance in order to represent themselves more strongly when

decisions are made by clubs and associations.

The alliance, which encompasses men's and women's football at various

levels, features among others Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels, Sven

Bender of Bayer Leverkusen, Neven Subotic of Union Berlin und

Wolfsburg's Alexandra Popp.

"I think it's important that players get a voice - and that's beyond

the Bundesliga," Hummels told German football magazine Kicker on

Thursday. "Lately we've too often been passed over. That's why it's

even more necessary that we can actively let our voice be heard in

future," he said.

The alliance was clearly sparked by the treatment of players during

the coronavirus pandemic.

"If there's a football task force, a player must sit at that table,"

Soeren Gonther, of second-division club Erzegbirge Aue, said. "And if

a hygiene concept is discussed, players must be asked about it. It

can't be allowed to be decided over our heads."

The German Football League (DFL) told dpa that it is already in

contact with the alliance. "The dialogue can be worthwhile for both

sides," the DFL said. "While acknowledging the fact that the players

of the first and second divisions are employed by the 36 professional

clubs, who as members in their entirety constitute the DFL."

Germany's Union of Contracted Footballers (VDV) welcomed the new

organization. "It's our goal to strengthen further the players'

rights and give active players the chance to offer their opinions

more strongly," VDV vice president Carsten Ramelow told dpa.

The leaders of the new group are "largely established VDV members and

in dialogue with us," Ramelow said.

"But it's important now that we carry this momentum and unite as many

players as possible in the VDV."

dpa

Related Topics:

coronavirus