“2024 will be a good year”

26 January 2024 – Due to the tragic death of Hertha president Kay Bernstein, which became known on the day of the traditional DFL New Year Reception, the DFL cancelled the planned programme for the event in mid-January. Hans-Joachim Watzke, Speaker of the DFL e.V. Executive Committee and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of DFL GmbH, also refrained from making planned remarks in his very personal speech. Hans-Joachim Watzke had actually intended to present eight statements on German football for discussion in his speech. DFL.de has now documented them.

From Hans-Joachim Watzke

1. Football is booming – regardless of the league.

German football unites people like hardly anything else in our society. Millions of people travel to the stadiums every weekend or follow the matches via the media. Whether the Bundesliga, Bundesliga 2, 3. Liga or cup competitions: the home and away stands are full, the ratings are excellent – people love football and its stories.

2. The Bundesliga is exciting.

Last season, one goal in the final minute on the last matchday would have changed everything. Whether in the battle for the championship, European qualification, or the relegation battle, the league was pure excitement from the first whistle on the first matchday to the final whistle on the last. Everywhere in the table – and it will be the same in the current season.

3. The Bundesliga is internationally successful.

In the battle for an additional Champions League starting place, we are doing very well – currently ahead of the Premier League. In recent years, Bundesliga clubs have won the Champions League and the Europa League, celebrating triumphant successes. There is also a good chance that 2024 will be a very successful year for us at club level.

4. EURO 2024 will be a success.

The summer will be a summer of football. The world will look to Germany and get to know our outstanding football culture. Our stadium infrastructure is top-class in Europe. Young fans in particular will be enthusiastic about the sport – digitally, but also in real life!

5. The new Champions League format and the Club World Cup will succeed.

The new Champions League format will quickly inspire. Every game will be important, even on the final matchday: excitement on every matchday – for every club. The Club World Cup is fast becoming an accepted competition that will unite the football world even more. Fans will travel with their clubs to other continents and see that club football connects not only Europe but also the world.

6. 50+1 must remain.

Football in Germany is an important cultural asset, above all because millions of people are members of their club and thus stand for participation and democracy. Democratic coexistence is a cornerstone of the Federal Republic of Germany, and this will continue to be practised in football in the future.

7. We need an active fan scene.

Contradictions and discussions create friction and progress. Discussion with critical fans makes us all stronger. Fans who love their club and want the best for their club are priceless and an important corrective force. Without the active and colourful fan community, the stadium experience – the basis of everything – would be much less enriching. Mutual respect in discussions is essential and, to be honest, there is sometimes room for improvement.

8. 2024 will be a good year for German football.

There are strong reasons for optimism for 2024 German football, be it an exciting league with great sport and loud fans or clubs that are successful in Europe. We have a thrilling summer to look forward to with EURO 2024.