Berlin, June 11, 2021. Due to their visibility, athletes are the most important ambassadors for the values of sport. They are judged day by day based on their professionalism, integrity, and conduct. The same standard must apply to those responsible in the federations, especially to the highest body of sport for all and elite sport in Germany. The DOSB presidium can fulfil its role as a role model when it leads by example with a trusting and respectful atmosphere of cooperation within its own organisation, towards its members, the athletes, and the other stakeholders in sport. In this way, the DOSB can also live up to its ambition of shaping sports structures for athletes.
Against this backdrop, Athleten Deutschland takes note of the reaction of the DOSB Presidium to the recommendations of the DOSB Ethics Commission that became known on Monday. From our point of view, it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations of the Ethics Commission - not least to not jeopardise its credibility and to not risk a loss of trust in this merely recommending institution. A deviation from these recommendations would be an alarming signal in view of the already low level of trust in the functioning of the ombudsman and whistleblower mechanisms in German sport.
We therefore assume that the announced vote of confidence also means early elections, as recommended by the Ethics Commission. A preliminary competition of candidates and ideas should be possible and in line with the democratic self-understanding of sport. According to the Ethics Commission's recommendations, the current Presidium could gain new trust. The recommendations state: "On the other hand, possible opposing candidates have enough time [...] to campaign for a new beginning and to face the confidence of the general assembly in a clear and open manner."
About Athleten Deutschland e.V.:
Athleten Deutschland was founded in 2017 to give Germanys’ top-level athletes a real say for the first time in
the sporting system. The association is committed to deep changes in the German and international sport
system. Effective athletes’ representation as well as athletes’ development and protection are always at the
heart of our activities.
Together with our members, we strive for world-class conditions that offer them the opportunity to develop
their sporting and personal potential. We stand up for fair and clean sports, free of abuse and violence,
manipulation and mismanagement. To fulfil our mission, we cooperate with various actors from public
authorities and political stakeholders, business, science and civil society, as well as with likeminded partners in
Europe and the world.
Athleten Deutschland e.V. is financially supported by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and
Community on the basis of a resolution of the German Bundestag.
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