Chairman of the German Football Association (DFB), Dr Theo Zwanziger, has announced that both he and the association are fully committed to supporting ‘out’ gay footballers.
In an interview with a German newspaper, Zwanziger stated that he believes closeted gay players cannot fulfil their maximum potential, because they lose too much energy in hiding their true personality.
Translated into English, Zwanziger commented: “The DFB will take decisive action against every form of discrimination. Girls and boys should play football, whatever their sexual orientation.”
The Chairman originally expressed his determination to end the taboo on homosexuality and depression in November last year after the suicide of national goalkeeper Robert Enke, who was inconsolable after the death of his daughter.
As reported in Stern, Zwanziger stated: “If we want to do justice to Robert Enke, we must ensure that everyone in football can live without fear – with their strengths, weaknesses and tendencies.”