BVB fans had protested against the commercialization of soccer during the game against Union. The head of a sponsor didn’t like one poster at all.
Signal Iduna boss Ulrich Leitermann has sharply criticized the latest choreography by fans of Bundesliga soccer team Borussia Dortmund. “Forever Westfalenstadion” could be read on the south stand before the home game against Union Berlin. This caused him “pain,” CEO Leitermann told the Ruhr Nachrichten: “For me, this is unacceptable, considering how much we have supported this club for a long time and also stood by it when others didn’t want to give a cent more.”
Dortmund’s soccer temple has borne the sponsor’s name since 2006. It is estimated that almost 100 million euros will be paid for the rights until 2031. Leitermann emphasized that he knows that only some of the fans are behind the choreography. However, the media impact should not be underestimated: “For us, it was a nuisance. I would like to see an appreciative approach that takes both interests into account.”
BVB fans reacted in the social networks partly with incomprehension and malice to the statements. Leiterman said he knew that only some of the fans were behind the action. He was particularly annoyed by the media impact. It was a “severe setback,” he said, “because this portrayal also creates images in people’s minds again.”
Days before the home game against Union, fan protests had already been announced at the beginning of April. The Südtribüne alliance had called for a protest against the possibility of an investor getting involved with the DFL. “Hello Borussians, as you may already have noticed in recent weeks, the DFL is planning to generate additional billions through the entry of an investor,” the alliance wrote on its homepage at the time. They did not want to stand idly by and watch professional soccer in Germany continue to lose itself and its connection to the people.
At next year’s home European Championships, Dortmund’s stadium will not have the name of the sponsor, it will be called “BVB Stadion Dortmund” at the tournament. Why? This was a decision made by the European Football Union in consultation with the stadium operator, according to the German Football Association.
“Influences from sponsors did not play a role in this, it is customary that no brands are used in the stadium names during tournaments. The name “BVB Stadion Dortmund” was chosen – among other reasons – because of its international comprehensibility.” Meaning: the name Westfalenstadion is known in the Ruhr area, the name BVB is known all over the world. (with sid)