It is a new controversy which is hitting Germany and whose stakes, as often, go beyond the green rectangle. If Borussia Dortmund has had an interesting start to the season, being second in the Bundesliga tied with leader Bayern, the Ruhr club faces a fairly difficult matter to manage. It concerns Félix Nmecha, his German international midfielder.
Indeed, the 26-year-old is affiliated with Ballers in Godan international evangelical Christian network and movement that brings together professional footballers, as the group describes itself. “Ballers in God Pro is a global, player-led community dedicated to helping professional footballers and their partners learn more about Jesus and grow in their Christian journey”can we read on the website of BiG.
An affair of state!
Nmecha therefore does not hesitate to demonstrate his faith in Jesus Christ and his belonging to BiG during his celebrations. He notably made the celebration of the crown implying that Christ is king and that all the glory goes to him – as part of the campaign The King’s Return from Ballers in God – during the match against SV Elversberg this weekend, during which he scored twice. This bothered many people in Germany, since Ballers in God is considered by some to be homophobic, anti-LGBTQ and taking anti-abortion stances, among other things. The official Borussia Dortmund supporters group has also published a press release to condemn the player. “Faith does not justify exclusion. Faith does not justify division. Nor should faith be diverted so as not to recognize the diversity of the society in which we live.”we can read there, demanding a reaction from the managers and asking them to distance themselves from the player.
It is in any case a hot topic in Germany, with very polarized opinions. An opinion article from Bild for example goes so far as to say that the BVB must ban the celebration of Nmecha, and that the player must speak publicly to dispel any doubt surrounding his person. Others are on the player’s side. For its part, the club has already made it known that it will speak with its midfielder, while the German Federation has also taken up the matter, even if Rudi Völler, the sporting director of the federation, wanted to defend his player, refuting the accusations of homophobia. Jürgen Klopp, the coach, will also speak face to face with Nmecha. A matter which therefore takes on sacred proportions…
