Dr. Theo Zwanziger: "I will never be the absolute ruler"

Soon after he was elected member of DFB board of directors as representative for social integration. At the same time he was chairmen of the Rheinland football association for nine years. He was also chairman of the commission, which prepared the structural reforms of the DFB and thus contributed to the future structure of the association. The reform was passed in September 2000 in Mainz. Since being elected as treasurer at the DFB Bundestag in Magdeburg on April 28, 2001 he belongs to the DFB executive committee, October 23, 2004 he was elected executive president.

On Friday Dr. Theo Zwanziger runs for sole presidency. The German Professional League (DFL) als well as five regional and 21 state associations have nominated him. DFB communications director Harald Stenger talked to Dr. Theo Zwanziger about the goals in the next couple of years.

Question: Dr. Zwanziger, is there a programme for your time as DFB president?

Dr. Theo Zwanziger: Of course I have detailed plans. The people, that know me well, know very well, that there are many things that lay close to my heart. After the fantastice World Cup 2006 we have the one-time possibility to use the importance and the popularity of football in Germany for our aims. Not in terms of egoism and profiling but for many children and teens and the many volunteers, who work at amateur club level.

Question: When you talk about World Cup 2006, what is the most important conclusion this summer and what consequences emerge from that?

Zwanziger: The success and the sympathetic appearance of our national team outshines everything else, and rightly so. The fans' enthusiasm and the fantastic atmosphere in Germany were logical results. However, I also have to emphasize that we presented ourselves as good hosts not only on an international level, but there was a peaceful and friendly atmosphere throughout the country. People in Germany, no matter where they were born, celebrated together. And that is the main point: People, who still do not understand that football offers the best and cheapest way of integrating people, will never learn. Therefore we need to make day to day life in the clubs as attractive as possible. And we want to reach schools and kindergartens alike to join our competetive goals with our social objectives for a multi-cultural way of life – the right time for football has just begun.

Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder und Dr. Theo Zwanziger

Zwanziger: One example is our girls football project. Last spring the executive committee gave five million euros for a school football campaign. Other incentives include integration projects. All that will be fully financed and well equipped so that effective work is garuanteed. I am more than happy to announce that our partners are as commited as we are. Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel has especially guaranteed support of the integration projects. Sponsors Mercedes-Benz and adidas also want to contribute. There are many facets of DFB engagement, if football stands united and there is trust between pros and amateurs.

Question: That reminds me: fans are fascinated with the national team and Bundesliga no matter how important the social activities are. Media coverage works according to that because it is easier to write about publicity matters than profound longterm developments. What do you think about the situation and what is your relationship with pros?

Zwanziger: That's really not a problem for me. Naturally competetive sports will always be in the sportlight. Therefore I always tell amateur clubs that it is professional football that enables us to finance ourselves and not be dependent on state benefit. Only if we have a strong national team and Bundesliga we can support amateur clubs like always and thus lay the foundation for successful work in the 26,000 clubs. Noone can doubt the importance of the pros and thus the DFL for the clubs and the DFB. Competetive sport will always be number one followed by youth support, school and girls football as well as social integration. Together with my friend Werner Hackmann I will stand for that in the future.

Question: The fundamental contract is supposed to be the framework of that, but human relations are much more important...

Zwanziger: That is correct. I respect the independance of the league in their responsibility for the 36 clubs. At the same time it is enormously important for me that I am in accord with the colleagues of the DFL as a DFB man and understand their positions and have no secrets before them despite possible interest conflicts. In the last couple of years Werner Hackmann and me have always followed a clear line despite some severe discussions. There is no decision concerning German football that I would not coordinate with the DFL. Neither competetively and organizational nor personnel, legally or economically – even outside of the meetings in the committees we constantly keep contact, exchange and aim at solutions for all interests involved.

Question: Wouldn't the amateurs scent betrayal with such statements?

Zwanziger: No. The amatuers, especially the smal clubs, know me for ages. They know that I will never change my basic attitude towards football. Mutual understanding and reliability based on an open opinion forming process have always been of great importance to me. That will never change, hopefully also not from my fellow combatants. By the way, this also applies to all other representatives of the German sport. I will stand up for that the DFB will face the challenges of the future in solidarity with the DOSB and its members.

Question: Which role will the German sport play in the international committees in the coming years?

Zwanziger: I am pleased about the fact that we have Dr. Thomas Bach as president of the DOSB, which is the best man in the IOC and other committees, that I can think of.. Speaking from a football point of view Franz Beckenbauer is our figurehead. Internationally he has a large reputation and many possibilities to influence. He can open any door for us with his authenticity and charisma. He is welcome anywhere and known all over the place. One cannot put into words what he achieved for Germany's reputation als president of the World Cup Organising Committee. Anyone knows the „Kaiser“ - major politicians and the man on the street alike. When Mr. Mayer-Vorfelder retires from the FIFA executive board, Franz should take his place for Germany.

Question: And what about your plans?

Zwanziger: In the interest of the DFB it is surely important to be represented in an international committee. If the time is right, I could imagine to run as a candidate for the UEFA executive. However, that does not necessarily mean that I am going to do it. Instead of sitting in many meetings I'd rather visit an amatuer's football game and eat a german „Bratwurst“ during halftime. Nevertheless I would fulfill my duties at the UEFA seriously.

Question: Now we really have to talk about your secret "love" - women's football...

Zwanziger: What am I supposed to say? Everything is well-known anyway. I will do everthing to make fans realize that there is more to German football than "Poldi" and "Schweini": Birgit Prinz, Anja Mittag or Navina Omilade. One important step will be to become hosts of the 2011 Women's World Championships. Chancellor Angela Merkel will stand on our sides, so that there will be „another time to make friends“ in Germany in five years.

Question: You will be elected DFB president today, what does that mean to you personally?

Zwanziger: I am very happy and I thank everyone for their confidence in me. It is a symbol for the appreciation of my work in recent years. As a young footballer, growing up in a small village and having Fritz Walter and Günter Netzer as idols, I never dreamed to ever be nominated for such a position. Being a soul mate of Egidius Braun will be a genuine obligation for me. I hope that I will also benefit from my job experiences in different fields and will always keep one's dignity in mind. The position of DFB president is the most prestigious position Germany has to offer. How I think and act was evident in dealing with the "Hoyzer scandal" and the role of the DFB during the Nazi time.

Question: Last but not least: What will your leadership be like?

Zwanziger: I will never be the absolute ruler, who decrees everything from above. Mutual confidence, respect and the acknowledgment of other people's achievements – these are my criteria. At the same time my clear statement is: Competetive sport is our locomotive to put our social activities in perspective. The DFB is lucky to have many outstanding sports persons unter contract: national coach Joachim Löw and national team manager Oliver Bierhoff, sports director Matthias Sammer or womens' national team coach Silvia Neid and her predecessor, Tina Theune-Meyer. These people garuantee a successful and innovative way of working. I know that I have to fight for unity in difficult situations and I am confident enough to promise that we will continue our successful activities nationally and internationally. For our 6.3 million members the DFB should be a service supplier, that offers modern services for anyone so that there will be much fun at club level and for talents. Volunteers and full time workers alike should now one goal only: The DFB should always face the challenges of the future and should stand up for them.

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