Former Bundesliga Chief Criticizes Political Handling of Football During Pandemic

Christian Seifert reflects on the challenges faced by professional football during COVID-19, citing missed opportunities and unfair treatment by politicians.

• Christian Seifert, ex-DFL CEO, criticized political leaders for unfairly targeting professional football during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Seifert highlighted the Bundesliga's pioneering hygiene concept, which allowed matches to resume quickly, earning international praise but facing domestic criticism and envy.
• He expressed frustration that the Bundesliga's safety measures were not adapted for other sectors, such as elder care, which could have saved lives and improved conditions.
• Seifert emphasized the economic stakes involved, noting that 56,000 jobs depended on the continuation of professional football during the crisis.
• He lamented the lack of solidarity among Bundesliga clubs and the broader failure to draw lessons from the pandemic for societal benefit.

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