ZDF Faces Criticism for Funding Private Jet for Joshua Kimmich’s TV Appearance

The publicly funded broadcaster confirmed it paid over 8,000 euros for the flight, citing logistical challenges but declining to disclose further details.

Joshua Kimmich traveled by private jet from Berlin to Mainz on March 15, 2025, to appear on ZDF's 'Aktuelle Sportstudio' after a Bundesliga match.
The 580-kilometer journey was deemed necessary to ensure his timely arrival at the live program, as other travel options were not feasible.
The cost of the flight, estimated at over 8,000 euros, was covered by ZDF using public license fees, sparking criticism over the use of public funds.
ZDF defended the expense as an exceptional case but has not disclosed the exact cost or responded to further inquiries about the decision.
Kimmich's appearance on the program included discussions about his recent contract extension with Bayern Munich, reportedly worth 20 million euros annually.

Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung