Ex-Bundesliga Chief Criticizes Germany's COVID-19 Policies and Political Responses

Christian Seifert reflects on the pandemic's impact on football and broader society, citing unaddressed failures and political missteps.

Christian Seifert, former CEO of the Deutsche Fußball Liga, criticized the German government's handling of football during the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing politicians of unfair targeting and misinformation.
Seifert highlighted the Bundesliga's early adoption of a comprehensive hygiene concept, which allowed the league to resume play, but lamented that similar measures were not adapted for other sectors like elder care.
He expressed frustration over claims by figures like Karl Lauterbach and Annalena Baerbock, which he described as misleading and driven by symbolism rather than substance.
The former DFL chief argued that the lack of a thorough review of pandemic policies has left lasting societal and political divisions in Germany.
Seifert emphasized the economic stakes of continuing the football season, noting that 56,000 jobs across various income levels depended on the league's operations.