German football clubs split over adopting anti-abuse Safe-Sport-Code by 2028
Five months ago, German sports adopted the Safe-Sport-Code, a set of rules aimed at tackling violence and abuse in athletics. The code targets behaviors that fall below criminal thresholds, such as sexualized comments or persistent verbal harassment. Yet, its adoption across football clubs remains uneven, raising questions about how seriously the sport is taking preventive measures for young players.
The German Football Association (DFB) recently voted against making the Safe-Sport-Code mandatory by 2028. Instead, it is collaborating with stakeholders to explore a long-term, binding rollout. This decision has sparked concerns about the organization’s commitment to safeguarding its millions of youth participants.
Among Bundesliga teams, only 1. FC Nürnberg has taken concrete steps. The club plans to discuss integrating the code into its constitution at the next general meeting in November 2025. FC Bayern Munich is also reviewing how the rules could fit within its existing policies. Other clubs, however, are hesitant. Holstein Kiel and 1. FC Union Berlin have ruled out adoption for now, pointing to their current protection measures and practical challenges. SV Elversberg did not respond to requests for comment on the issue. Caroline Bechtel, deputy director of the Institute for Sports Law at the German Sports University Cologne, argues that clubs can implement the code independently. She believes it offers stronger protections than the DFB’s legal framework, particularly in addressing non-criminal but harmful conduct.
The Safe-Sport-Code remains optional for most clubs, with only a handful actively considering its adoption. Without a binding mandate, its reach depends on individual decisions. The DFB’s ongoing discussions suggest a gradual approach, but the pace leaves gaps in immediate protection for young athletes.
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