DFL and Bundesliga Clubs Promote Democracy Ahead of Elections

The German professional football league is advocating for democratic values in the lead-up to the federal elections. According to the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL), numerous clubs from the 1st and 2nd Bundesliga are participating in the social media initiative #DemokraTeam – Everything Else is Offside by sharing their own videos on club channels.

Among the participants are referees Patrick Ittrich and Deniz Aytekin, DFB Vice President Celia Sasic, current and former national players including Manuel Neuer, Jamal Musiala, Chris Führich, Angelo Stiller, Kevin Trapp, and Jonas Hector, comedian Fabian Köster, and various influencers.

“It is a strong and important signal that many clubs and players are using their reach to promote democracy and shared values,” stated DFL Managing Director Marc Lenz. Various activities will take place in stadiums and on digital platforms around the upcoming Bundesliga matchday.

Targeting Young Audiences

The decentralized campaign, which aims to reach primarily young people aged 14 to 29 on platforms like TikTok, was initiated by the DFL Foundation. Since summer 2024, the foundation has been promoting diversity, tolerance, team spirit, and respect through short videos on social media. The goal is to minimize the media influence of extremist actors on children and adolescents, delivered in a humorous way and without a condescending tone.