Union president slams rivals for lack of commitment to women's game
Union Berlin president Dirk Zingler has lambasted some of his rivals in German football for the treatment of their women's teams.
Zingler, whose women's team have just achieved promotion to the top flight while the men's team finished 13th in the Bundesliga, was appointed by the club's supervisory board on Monday for a further term until 2029.
Advertisement
"When I see and hear that even in the women's Bundesliga with 12 teams, there are only four or five that pay women professionally, it's a pitiful indictment for Germany," the 60-year-old told reporters before making a controversial remark.
"It is simply not right to treat women's football like a sport for the disabled."
The Union board meanwhile is being expanded by two members to seven, with two women present for the first time in the club's history.
Zingler has been president of the east Berliners since 2004.
"One of the main reasons for our success is this stability," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Xabi Alonso slammed as 'very disappointed' Bayer Leverkusen player reveals he would have asked for transfer had Real Madrid boss not left
Hofmann frustrated by lack of dialogue Ten Hag arrival seen as fresh chance Leverkusen ace nearly pushed for move Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 WHAT HAPPENED? The 33-year-old midfielder has publicly criticised the former Leverkusen manager for lacking direct communication after he was relegated to a fringe role in the second half of the 2024-25 season. He told Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger that he expected 'open and honest' dialogue and was disappointed by the Spaniard's approach. THE BIGGER PICTURE While Alonso's tenure at Leverkusen was widely hailed for its historic Bundesliga title win, Hofmann's comments reveal underlying tensions behind the scenes. The midfielder made 46 appearances in 2023-24, but barely featured the following season, starting just four league games. His frustration suggests that not all players thrived under Alonso's leadership, despite the team's success. With new coach Erik ten Hag in place, the player is ready to fight for his place in the starting XI. WHAT HOFMANN SAID Hofmann targeted the former Leverkusen coach's leadership style, specifically his lack of clear communication with players during difficult periods. "I expect a coach to address something directly when he notices something. I expect open and direct communication. A coach shouldn't wait longer than two weeks for this, because as a coach, I want the players to be in top shape to raise the training level. There's always a need for competition, that's clear. I would have expected a bit more from the coach." He added: "New coach, new opportunity. I'm a Bundesliga kid. I'm fighting my way back. I feel comfortable, but under Xabi Alonso, I probably would have considered a move. Personally, I'm putting last season in a box and don't want to take it out again. It was very disappointing for me, what happened there and how it played out. That's not what I'm aiming for." WHAT NEXT FOR HOFMANN & ALONSO? Hofmann is determined to regain his form under Ten Hag, while Alonso's challenge at Real Madrid may demand improved player relationships if the Leverkusen player's complaints are correct.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
🎥 Hugo Ekitiké arrives: A glimpse at Liverpool's new star striker
Liverpool officially unveiled Hugo Ekitiké on Wednesday and excitement is brewing about what the former Eintracht Frankfurt striker can offer in the Premier League. Ekitiké follows another highly-rated former Bundesliga star, Florian Wirtz, to Merseyside as Arne Slot continues to build a star-studded squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. The France under-21 international had a sensational 2024/25 season in Frankfurt, scoring 22 goals and making 12 assists in all competitions, proving his ability to contribute in the final third. Now, it is Liverpool fans have plenty to look forward to from their £69m striker Just how important will Ekitiké be for Liverpool next season? 📸 Christof Koepsel - 2025 Getty Images
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Atletico Madrid negotiating for €20m Bundesliga star
Atletico Madrid continue to forge ahead with what could be an historic transfer window this summer. After the deal was confirmed for David Hancko on Wednesday night, Atletico's total spend is already at €150m without including variables, but are now courting another midfielder. Despite bringing in Johnny Cardoso and Alex Baena, Los Colchoneros clearly feel they need more options in the middle of the pitch. As things stand, the only exits will be Rodrigo de Paul and Saul Niguez, although Thomas Lemar could also leave. L'Equipe say that Atletico are now in talks to agree personal terms with Stuttgart midfielder Enzo Millot. Galatasaray and Atletico Madrid in talks Millot has attracted no shortage of attention over the last year, and other Bundesliga clubs are also interested in the French midfielder. Galatasaray have been in talks with Millot's camp this week, but have failed to reach an agreement thus far. Now Atletico are negotiating with Millot, and it is believed that he has a €20m release clause that Stuttgart will demand for him if he is to leave. For many that represents a reasonable price for the 23-year-old. Under contract until 2028, Stuttgart have little pressure to sell. Hamburg (Germany), 05/06/2023.- Stuttgart's Enzo Millot celebrates after scoring the 2-1 lead during the German Bundesliga Relegation second leg soccer match between Hamburger SV and VfB Stuttgart in Hamburg, Germany, 05 June 2023. (Alemania, Hamburgo) EFE/EPA/HANNIBAL HANSCHKE CONDITIONS – ATTENTION: The DFL regulations prohibit any use of photographs as image sequences and/or quasi-video. Who is Enzo Millot? Last season Millot was a crucial part of another successful season for Stuttgart, as they won the DfB Pokal last season. He played 43 times, scoring 12 goals and giving eight assists during that campaign, including five goal contributions in eight Champions League games. Diminutive and understated, Millot tends to glide around the pitch, and has become a key creative force for his decision-making, quick feet and ability to find space in the midfield. While starting his career deeper, and capable of receiving the ball from the defence, Millot has more recently moved further forward, playing behind the front line and looking to slice open defences.
