• IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here.

    The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.

Merkel settles dispute over dressing room visit

B

boba fett

Guest

Merkel settles dispute over dressing room visit


r


German Chancellor Angela Merkel gestures during a news conference with Romania's Prime Minister Emil Boc (unseen) at Victoria Palace in Bucharest October 12, 2010. Credit: Reuters/Bogdan Cristel


BERLIN | Wed Oct 20, 2010 11:29am EDT

BERLIN (Reuters) - German chancellor Angela Merkel has ironed out differences with the country's soccer federation (DFB) following her surprise visit to the national team changing room after a win over Turkey, a government spokesman said.

Merkel went to see the players after their 3-0 victory in a Euro 2012 qualifier in Berlin on October 8 which upset DFB chief Theo Zwanziger who said politicians should stay out of sport. "All the irritation has been resolved," a government official told reporters Wednesday.

Official pictures showed Merkel chatting with bare-chested players, including midfielder Mesut Ozil who has Turkish roots, alongside German President Christian Wulff and his daughter. Zwanziger was at the game but not present during the visit. The government official said Merkel and Zwanziger clarified everything during a subsequent phone call.

The match in Berlin, which has a large Turkish community, attracted more than 40,000 Turkish fans and Ozil, who opted last year to play for Germany instead of Turkey, had been hailed as a shining example of social integration in Germany. Ozil, who also scored, was jeered by Turkish fans throughout the game.

(Writing by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Ken Ferris)

 
Top