The so-called Bosman ruling of 1995 turned the football world upside down. Since this decision by the ECJ, transfer fees can no longer be charged for players after their contracts have ended. Many clubs still feel it in their coffers today.
Since Monday there has been a ruling (not yet legally binding) from the Karlsruhe district court that has shocked the fan world. Three employees of the Karlsruhe fan project have been sentenced to fines for obstruction of justice. They had refused to testify as witnesses in a criminal case that is being conducted against KSC fans because of a pyrotechnic show in November 2022. Although they have no legal right to refuse to testify, they did not testify. They cited the confidentiality of their work as social workers – a cornerstone of social work. Apparently those responsible in the judiciary and police have not yet understood what the work of social workers in the fan projects is all about. Not only do they enjoy the greatest trust among fans, but they are also often mediators and mediators in disputes between fans and the police. They de-escalate and help find conflict solutions. Essentially an invaluable activity – for everyone in the stadium.
When it comes to evaluating the work of fan projects, it is not just the judiciary and police who are on the wrong track, but also politicians and their interior ministers. Ultimately, they also want to put the work of the fan projects to the test. “No,” we shout to the law-and-order protagonists! Hands off the fan projects! There needs to be a legal right for social workers to refuse to give evidence!
“Sport free!” from the fan advocate.
