MUNICH (GERMANY), Aug. 13 (dpa/EP) –
The German coach, Hansi Flick, believes that for various reasons, including “exorbitant prices”, “the unacceptable situation for homosexuals” or the systematic “violations of human rights”, the World Cup in Qatar will not be a football party for many fans.
“I have many acquaintances who would love to fly to Qatar, but they refrain from doing so for many reasons. Because they can’t afford the exorbitant prices, because the situation is unacceptable for homosexuals, because there are human rights violations, because minorities they are marginalized…” Flick, 57, told the RND editorial network.
“Basically, I think it’s a shame that this tournament is not going to be a World Cup for fans. Football should be for everyone. That’s why I say it’s not a World Cup for the normal fan,” said the German coach three months after start of the 2022 World Cup.
Eight years ago, Flick lifted the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as second to then coach Joachim Löw, whom he replaced after last year’s European Championship. The coach has already announced that he wants to exchange ideas with his experienced predecessor.
“I have helped plan four tournaments as a second and I know what is important. However, it can be an advantage to sit down with Jogi (Löw) again and discuss his impressions and experiences. About what can happen in a tournament like this and how he experienced it from the perspective of the national coach”, he highlighted.
The World Cup will be held in Qatar between November 20 and December 18. The German team will face Japan (November 23), Spain (November 27) and Costa Rica (December 1) in the group stage.