Following the recent Bundestag elections, Tino Chrupalla, the leader of the far-right AfD (Alternative für Deutschland), made headlines when he provocatively addressed Uli Hoeneß, the honorary president of Bayern Munich. Chrupalla claimed to have received congratulations from two ex-footballers, presumably former players of Bayern, prompting ire from the football community especially due to Hoeneß's strong stance against the party.
Chrupalla, speaking at the AfD's post-election press conference, expressed his gratitude for these congratulations and swiftly added, "Von daher auch viele Grüße an Uli Hoeneß" (Therefore, greetings to Uli Hoeneß). The veiled jab was not just incidental; it underscored the tension between the AfD's increasing prominence and Hoeneß's vocal critique of the party's politics.
The AfD achieved significant success at the polls, garnering 20.8 percent of secondary votes, effectively doubling their previous share. This electoral triumph has placed the party under intense scrutiny, and comments from its leadership are dissected more than ever. Chrupalla's boast about receiving goodwill from football personalities, particularly without naming them, left many questioning the authenticity and intention behind his statements.
Uli Hoeneß has not kept his opinions secret, positioning himself unequivocally against the AfD and its politics. During the memorial for his long-time friend Franz Beckenbauer, he remarked with conviction, "Die AfD will ich nicht dabei haben"—which translates to: "I do not want the AfD there." This sentiment was echoed more recently, when interviewed by Kicker, he made it clear, "Wenn einer unserer Spieler plötzlich Werbung für die AfD machen würde, würde ich mit ihm reden und ihn fragen, ob er noch alle Tassen im Schrank hat" (If one of our players suddenly began advertising for the AfD, I'd talk with him and ask if he’s lost his marbles). Such statements have not only affirmed his stance but have also invoked applause from various sections of football fans and society.
Hoeneß has long been seen as more than just a football figure; he has embraced social responsibility, engaging initiatives to combat racism and promote inclusivity within sports communities. His legacy at Bayern Munich symbolizes the values of unity and patriotism without the taint of extremism—values which he expresses concern for amid the recent political climate. Concerning the growing influence of the AfD, current Bayern president Herbert Hainer has articulated clear boundaries: "I absolutely cannot entertain the idea of the AfD having any presence within our club's committees."
Hainer emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity within sports organizations, especially against parties classified by the Verfassungsschutz (Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution) as having extremist tendencies. "Football is our core business, but there are points where clubs and their figures should step up and raise their voices," he stated, aligning closely with Hoeneß's views on the matter.
These developments come at a time when the political discourse surrounding football is becoming increasingly polarized. The historical essence of Bayern Munich—as represented by former president Kurt Landauer, who fled Nazi persecution—stands at odds with the ideologies espoused by the AfD. This connection highlights how firmly entrenched the club’s values are against the very ideals promoted by right-wing populism.
Chrupalla's remarks, aimed at taunting Hoeneß, reflect not just personal animosity but signify the broader struggle against divisive politics infiltrading sports. The lack of identified former players backing the AfD indicates the thin line supporters of the club walk, where they must navigate their love for football amid the more toxic elements swirling within political circles.
Through all this, the challenge is clear: how do sports icons like Hoeneß maintain their integrity and uphold spirited discourse without alienation? The response from clubs like Bayern serves as a reminder of the need for principles over popularity, especially as right-wing parties seek to leverage cultural icons for their agenda. The integrity shown by Hoeneß and Hainer reinforces the notion: one can celebrate national identity and sport without endorsing extremist ideologies, fostering resilience against divisiveness.
What remains to be seen is how Chrupalla and the AfD will respond to this strategic grassroots opposition from influential figures like Hoeneß and the footballing community. The events surrounding these exchanges will continue to resonate within the forums of public opinion as both parties engage on the battleground of ideology where the stakes are more significant than merely winning elections—it's about the very fabric of society.