German Football Association to face boycott and protest over inclusion of China team in league

By Lobsang Tenchoe

DHARAMSALA, August 17: German football clubs have threatened to boycott and football fans have planned protests over its football association’s decision to entertain China under 20 side as the 20th team in the German regional south-west league for the second half of the 2017-2018 season.

Three teams from German regional south-west league, the countries fourth tier, namely Koblenz, Mannheim and Stuttgarter Kickers have made it public that they will not play with the Chinese team while supporters intend to sell merchandise to raise funds for Tibetan independence, reports The Sun.

The supporters have set up an Ultras group on Facebook, ‘China U20 Ultras South West’ and they will not be at games to cheer on the Chinese, but to protest the radical trial and send any funds raised from selling merchandise to a Tibetan fund, the report added.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has not just openly professed his love for football but also aims to lift the coveted World Cup by 2050. China is also said to be lining up to bid to host the 2030 or 2034 tournament.

The Football Association of China has signed a five-year agreement with the German Football Association last year aiming to improve their youth development programme.

China’s senior national team is currently ranked as low as 77th in the FIFA world rankings and has long been an embarrassment to the country, hence the all-out effort to ramp up the fortunes of the much-maligned national side.

As per the agreement reached between the two football associations, the Chinese under 20 team would play outside of the league with no points at stake with no influence on the outcome of the league.

Earlier reports on Mail Online have disclosed that the German clubs will receive €15,000 (£13,200) each for the two matches against the Chinese side.