No real concessions: Following the decision by the Conference of Interior Ministers, the umbrella organization for fan support groups accuses politicians of playing a double game. What lies behind the criticism. Organized soccer fans in Germany have reacted with disappointment to the decision by the Conference of Interior Ministers (IMK). “As if the clear public opposition of the past weeks had not existed, the interior ministers are continuing their course against all fans and the diverse fan culture,” said Linda Röttig, member of the board of the umbrella organization of fan support groups. “Although even the police’s own figures clearly show that stadiums are safe places, the artificial debate brought about by the IMK itself is being pursued.” The “fine words of the past few days, which had promised a dialogue with the fans,” are not to be found in the resolution text that has now been published. “A clear sign that this was obviously just an attempt to reassure the public and that there were no serious intentions behind it,” said Röttig. Röttig from the umbrella organization of fan support groups: “Clubs are called upon to act.” The text is “a defiant reaction put into words without any insight or regard for reality. The complete lack of transparency will continue without change, as all documents will remain under lock and key.”

After weeks of nationwide protests, the results of last week’s conference were initially well received by the organized fan scene. No decisions were made on most of the controversial issues. Neither on personalized tickets, nor on comprehensive ID checks, facial recognition, and AI surveillance.

“The clubs are now called upon to follow up their clear words of the past weeks with clear actions,” said Röttig. In the weeks leading up to the conference of interior ministers, the German Football Association (DFB) and the German Football League (DFL) had worked behind the scenes to defuse the maximum demands of politicians on the issue of stadium security.