The Dark Side of Basketball: How Politics is Affecting the Sport in Germany

Basketball is a sport that is loved by many around the world. However, in Germany, the sport is facing a new challenge that has nothing to do with the game itself, but with the politics of the country. The rise of the far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), has led to a surge in racism and xenophobia, making it difficult for basketball clubs to attract new players.

The Problem with Transfers

According to Björn Harmsen, the coach of the Jena basketball team, the club is having a hard time attracting new players due to the political climate in Germany. “We have a problem with the acquisition of German players who want to come with their families and have concerns,” he said in an interview. The concerns are not just about the players themselves, but also about their families, who are worried about the rising racism and xenophobia in the country.

The Impact on the Sport

The situation is not just affecting the Jena basketball team, but also other teams in the league. Florian Gut, the coach of the Erfurt team, has also reported similar experiences. “When we want to sign young players from Germany with a migration background, they and their parents bring up this topic very early in the conversation,” he said. The topic, of course, is the rise of the AfD and the increasing racism and xenophobia in the country.

The Human Cost

The situation is not just about the sport, but also about the human cost. Players who are already part of the teams are feeling the effects of the rising racism and xenophobia. “There are very serious concerns and a great deal of uncertainty - especially in Thuringia,” said Gut. The players are not just worried about themselves, but also about their families, who are being affected by the rising racism and xenophobia.

The Response from the Government

The government has not been silent on the issue. The interior minister, Horst Seehofer, has spoken out against the rise of the AfD and the increasing racism and xenophobia in the country. However, the government’s response has been criticized by many as being too little, too late.

The Future of Basketball in Germany

The future of basketball in Germany is uncertain. The rise of the AfD and the increasing racism and xenophobia in the country are making it difficult for teams to attract new players. The situation is not just about the sport, but also about the human cost. Players and their families are being affected by the rising racism and xenophobia, and it is unclear how the situation will be resolved.

Gordon Herbert, the former coach of the German national basketball team, has spoken out against the rise of the AfD and the increasing racism and xenophobia in the country.

The Role of the Media

The media has a crucial role to play in highlighting the issue and putting pressure on the government to take action. The media can also play a role in promoting the sport and highlighting the positive aspects of basketball in Germany.

Basketball players from different backgrounds come together to play the sport they love.

Conclusion

The rise of the AfD and the increasing racism and xenophobia in Germany are having a profound impact on the sport of basketball. The situation is not just about the sport, but also about the human cost. Players and their families are being affected by the rising racism and xenophobia, and it is unclear how the situation will be resolved. The media has a crucial role to play in highlighting the issue and putting pressure on the government to take action.