Ozil's accusations emphatically rejected by German FA
In a statement released on Monday, the German Football Association (DFB) has claimed that it finds Mesut Ozil's accusations "incomprehensible in their tone and message". This comes after the mid-fielder announced his international retirement citing racial discrimination against him by the DFB. Ozil had also criticized the DFB president. The governing body has claimed that it is always working towards social integration.
Ozil decided to call it a day!
The World Cup winning mid-fielder had released a statement on Twitter, citing discrimination and racism within German football. The player stated that he had received hate mails and threats, besides being blamed for Germany crashing out of the FIFA World Cup 2018. The Arsenal forward was also criticized, earlier in May, for appearing in a photograph alongside Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
When picture with Erdogan created a storm
Earlier, the DFB and German politicians had criticized Ozil for his picture with the Turkish president, who has been accused of human rights violation. Ozil, Erdogan and his German team-mate Gundogan were seen posing in the picture after a charitable event in London in May. DFB states that it takes such matters seriously as human rights are important to them.
DFB cites its integration efforts have always been there
The DFB's statement reads that they have always been associated with integration efforts in Germany from the grass-root level. The introduction of the Integration Award, creating the "1-0 to open arms" was also cited by them. DFB also stated that it stands for diversity, as well as respect tolerance and fair play. The DFB also regretted Ozil's departure from the international team.
Ozil's decision comes as a big blow for German football
Ozil was capped 92 times by Germany. He scored 23 goals for the national team since making his debut in 2009. He was also voted as Germany national team Player of the Year 5 times between 2011 and 2016.
