The city of Berlin wants to host NFL American football games in Germany in the next few years. When asked, a spokeswoman for the authorities confirmed that the Berlin Senate wants to discuss and decide on a corresponding proposal from Sports and Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) on Tuesday. The game will be played in the Olympic Stadium. RTL/ntv initially reported.
League boss Roger Goodell took a stand at a fan event in Munich. “I don’t normally believe in rumors,” said the NFL commissioner. In this case it is different. Regarding Berlin, he added: »We are working on it. It has not been finalized. According to Goodell, the negotiations with Berlin do not mean that they will not return to Munich or Frankfurt am Main.
In the Bavarian capital, the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers will play the fourth NFL game on German soil on Sunday. The league had already announced that it wanted to stay in Germany. “I am very optimistic and can give all NFL fans the green light that we will continue to play here in Germany in the future,” said NFL Germany boss Alexander Steinforth.
Contact with NFL Europe boss Gosper in April
Senator Spranger has already contacted league officials. The politician met Brett Gosper in April at the SportAccord Congress in Birmingham, England. The Australian is responsible for Europe and Asia/Pacific for the NFL.
According to information from the Berlin administration, a decision on future venues will be made this month. In addition to Munich, Frankfurt am Main has also been the venue for NFL games in the past.
Berlin is interested in a long-term collaboration with the NFL, said the spokeswoman. The city has proven several times in the past that it can organize major sporting events very well. No information has yet been provided about the financing of the event. According to RTL/ntv, Berlin is prepared to invest several million euros in the NFL spectacle.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:241109-930-283968/2
