Ozil's national team retirement sparks racism, discrimination debate in Germany
- 6 years ago
Tensions between Germany's football association and the national team's former midfielder Mesut Ozil are flaring up.
The DFB said Monday it emphatically rejects allegations of racism from Ozil, who is of Turkish descent.
The midfielder, who plays for English club Arsenal, announced his retirement from the German national team on Sunday after receiving criticism from the DFB and German media for his photo with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
He also said he was unfairly treated, as some blamed him for Germany's poor performance at the World Cup.
The rift between the 29-year-old and the DFB has sparked a divisive racism debate in the country.
Chancellor Angela Merkel, meanwhile, said she respects Ozil's decision and thanked him for his contributions to the national team.
The DFB said Monday it emphatically rejects allegations of racism from Ozil, who is of Turkish descent.
The midfielder, who plays for English club Arsenal, announced his retirement from the German national team on Sunday after receiving criticism from the DFB and German media for his photo with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
He also said he was unfairly treated, as some blamed him for Germany's poor performance at the World Cup.
The rift between the 29-year-old and the DFB has sparked a divisive racism debate in the country.
Chancellor Angela Merkel, meanwhile, said she respects Ozil's decision and thanked him for his contributions to the national team.