Germany’s football association (DFB) has released a statement on Monday regarding Mesut Ozil’s racism claims, and they have rejected the racist remarks coming from them.
Ozil announced retirement from International football stating racism and disrespect as reasons.
The DFB said it regrets the departure of Mesut Ozil from the national team. A statement said, “We emphatically reject the DFB being linked to racism.”
Mesut Ozil posted a lengthy statement on social media insisting he had done nothing wrong in meeting Erdogan and said he would not represent Germany in the future.
“It is with a heavy heart and after much consideration that because of recent events, I will no longer be playing for Germany at international level whilst I have this feeling of racism and disrespect. I used to wear the German shirt with such pride and excitement, but now I don’t,” he said.
A kick it out statement read,
“Following Germany’s exit from the World Cup, the racist treatment Mesut Ozil has faced by elements of their media, supporters and wider society is extremely disappointing. But it is also reflective of the experience of a number of footballers across Europe from mixed heritage backgrounds.”
“Immigration has transformed modern life and modern football for the better. The success of Premier League is due to the contribution of footballers from around the world. While the World Cup enriched by players of dual heritage such as Ozil. However, Ozil is right to suggest that for elements of society. ‘When we win, I am German, but I am an immigrant when we lose.’ Unfortunately, black players in England, France and beyond have been treated in a similar fashion for a long time.”
“Mesut has been treated disgracefully, and we have contacted Arsenal to offer our support to him at this time. Those who have driven him to consider international retirement should be ashamed of themselves. And his case should encourage all of football to reflect on how the game treats footballers from mixed heritage backgrounds.”
Mesut Ozil’s Germany didn’t make it to the next round of FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia. They lost to Mexico and South Korea in the group stages itself.