Once again, the DFB is hoping for an upswing from a major women’s tournament. There is not only a lack of players, but also of coaches and referees.

DFB President Bernd Neuendorf is hoping that the European Championship in England will give the much-needed upswing in women’s and girls’ football.

“Overall, we have to get better at it. Of course, I hope that the big tournaments, as they are now pending, will give society a push and that we will make progress there, »said the 60-year-old of the German Press Agency.

offspring problem

The German Football Association has been struggling with youth problems in the female field for years. The national team missed out on participating in the 2019 World Cup quarterfinals. In the Bundesliga, the average attendance is still below 1000, while other top European leagues are making great strides in all areas.

“Women’s football is high on my agenda. He has to, too, »assured Neuendorf. “We have good numbers in football overall. But when it comes to women’s and girls’ football, you just have to say that we could use a lot more players there. Significantly more girls in particular, but also referees and coaches.”

The new DFB boss will also be there at the start of the German women’s European Championship on July 8 (21.00 CEST/ZDF) in London-Brentford against Denmark. Other preliminary round opponents of national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s team are Spain (July 12) and Finland (July 16).

More visibility

“It is important that women’s football becomes more visible,” said Neuendorf. “Our goal is also to bring the 2027 World Cup to Germany. I’ll work hard to make that happen.” The DFB is applying together with Belgium and the Netherlands for the title fights. The next World Cup will take place in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.

The DFB had not been able to use the World Cup triumphs in 2003 and 2007 and the Olympic victory in 2016 to make decisive progress. The effect of the 2011 home World Cup had also fizzled out.