Google Translation - not the best
fan review of Werders Iran considerations
A commitment in Iran? Werder Bremen had an expert opinion on the chances and risks of a trip to the country. Fans criticize the reflections sharply.
In the summer, Werder coach Alexander Nouri set off on an "adventure trip through Iran", as the "Bild" newspaper described . Nouri's father comes from the country, the coach visited relatives and commented on a football match. "The people knew me, and Werder as a whole is very well known there. We are the only Bundesliga team to be shown live," Nouri said.
Werder became curious: Is Iran a worthwhile field for the Bundesliga? There were voices from the club that suggested: "Iran is not uninteresting for us, we are exploring the market," said Werder boss Klaus Filbry the " Weser-Kurier ". On behalf of the Bremer, an expert examined a possible commitment. He came to the conclusion that "despite Iran's potential risks," Iran could be a great opportunity for Werder.
Werder has been trying for some time to penetrate untapped markets, most recently in the USA - with the Bremeners bombarding 17-year-old attacker Josh Sargent. Iran also has a lot of talents, the team in the quarter-finals at the current U17 World Cup, Germany 4-0 defeated in the group stage . From a sports perspective, a commitment in Iran could be very profitable.
"Hit in the face"
But the Werder reflections have also caused violent criticism among some fans. An online petition against a commitment was launched, which has so far signed 426 supporters . The members of the ultra-group Caillera also oppose an Iranian commitment.
In a letter to the managing director of the Werder board, SPIEGEL said: "While Alexander Nouri was warmly welcomed in Iran, this will not be the case for more than half of all Werder fans are not allowed to enter Iran, and homosexuals expect the death penalty in Iran - tied up and suspended by cranes in public. "
In the letter, which was to be handed over to Werder's management already in mid-June, it is said that "one is stunned" by the statements of Werder boss Filbry: "They are a" slap in the face "of all, Werder have so far credibly used sexism, homophobia, anti-Semitism and racism ". The ultras refer explicitly not to the people in Iran, but to the government: "Iran with its current political leadership can and may not be interesting for the SV Werder."
"Homework done"
At the request of the SPIEGEL, Werder Bremen said: "There are currently no concrete plans to travel to Iran." An external expertise had been prepared, contrasting pros and cons and "sketching the framework conditions for a trip to Iran". In addition, you are in contact with the active fan scene on this topic. So far, neither a game in the room, nor a cooperation, nor anything else. The SV Werder had only "made his homework internally and thought of this topic as a precautionary measure".
The human rights organizations Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International complain about human rights violations in Iran. The Amnesty Report of 2017 states that "members of religious and ethnic minorities have been discriminated against and prosecuted, and women and girls have suffered violence and discrimination in many ways, and the authorities imposed numerous death sentences and directed hundreds of people, some of them in the Public."
At Werder, the topic has been discussed: "Familiarity with the assessments of different NGOs", the association said. And further: "We are aware that if you get the opportunity to place your own values and promote them, you should only tackle a trip to Iran." Werder Bremen currently does not have a final rating.
