One week prior to UEFA’s congress in Duesseldorf, DFB President Dr. Theo Zwanziger has reemphasised his support for Lennart Johansson, the reigning President of the European Football Association.
Question: Mr. Zwanziger, the German Football Association has made it clear that it will vote for the incumbent, when the new UEFA president will be elected next week in Dusseldorf. Is your decision purely based on gratitude, because the 77-year old Swede had backed Germany during the bidding for the 2006 FIFA World Cup?
Dr. Zwanziger: That is rubbish, really. Obviously, Lennart Johansson does not receive our vote because of gratitude. He is the best man for the job, and that has nothing to do with his age. Lennart Johansson is mentally and physically more than able to hold this office. The UEFA President has to personify the trust in the various political levels. He has to have first-class contacts. And he has to be a person of balance, compromise and moderation. Change would not be the right signal at this time. Even worse, the UEFA does not need a change that leads to an internal rift. But I agree, that Lennart Johansson had supported our bid strongly. It would be very small-minded, if we did not repay his trust now.
Question: The challenger Michel Platini criticizes, that Johannson does not spend enough time at the UEFA headquarter in Nyon. Platini suggests, that Johansson is not doing his job…
Zwanziger: That is a totally incorrect allegation. In reality, it is a positive that Johansson does not spend his entire time in the UEFA headquarter. The UEFA General Secretary Lars-Christer Olsson is a proven expert, who does a great job. The same can be said about all other levels of operation. Johansson has to play his part, a more political role, in the scheme of things – and this asks for a person of experience and tremendous public respect. No need for hustle and bustle at this position.
Question: Platini questions whether Johansson at 77 years is still capable of being a capable UEFA President.
Zwanziger: I disaggree. As you grow older, your level of performance tends to drop somewhat. But that’s not always the case. There are many examples for people in their 80’s, who are still playing a vital part in our society. It would be ridiculous if we’d push a much-honoured man out of his position just because of his age.
Question: Your organisation, the DFB, has an upper limit of 70 years for such offices.
Zwanziger: That is true, but this also has its disadvantages. This age barrier will be a factor at our next major assembly, when a number of important members will be forced to retire. It will be very hard to replace their collective experience. On the other hand, this offers a chance for the next generation. There are really two sides to this argument.
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[bild1]One week prior to UEFA’s congress in Duesseldorf, DFB President Dr. Theo Zwanziger has reemphasised his support for Lennart Johansson, the reigning President of the European Football Association.
Question: Mr. Zwanziger, the German Football Association has made it clear that it will vote for the incumbent, when the new UEFA president will be elected next week in Dusseldorf. Is your decision purely based on gratitude, because the 77-year old Swede had backed Germany during the bidding for the 2006 FIFA World Cup?
Dr. Zwanziger: That is rubbish, really. Obviously, Lennart Johansson does not receive our vote because of gratitude. He is the best man for the job, and that has nothing to do with his age. Lennart Johansson is mentally and physically more than able to hold this office. The UEFA President has to personify the trust in the various political levels. He has to have first-class contacts. And he has to be a person of balance, compromise and moderation. Change would not be the right signal at this time. Even worse, the UEFA does not need a change that leads to an internal rift. But I agree, that Lennart Johansson had supported our bid strongly. It would be very small-minded, if we did not repay his trust now.
Question: The challenger Michel Platini criticizes, that Johannson does not spend enough time at the UEFA headquarter in Nyon. Platini suggests, that Johansson is not doing his job…
Zwanziger: That is a totally incorrect allegation. In reality, it is a positive that Johansson does not spend his entire time in the UEFA headquarter. The UEFA General Secretary Lars-Christer Olsson is a proven expert, who does a great job. The same can be said about all other levels of operation. Johansson has to play his part, a more political role, in the scheme of things – and this asks for a person of experience and tremendous public respect. No need for hustle and bustle at this position.
Question: Platini questions whether Johansson at 77 years is still capable of being a capable UEFA President.
Zwanziger: I disaggree. As you grow older, your level of performance tends to drop somewhat. But that’s not always the case. There are many examples for people in their 80’s, who are still playing a vital part in our society. It would be ridiculous if we’d push a much-honoured man out of his position just because of his age.
Question: Your organisation, the DFB, has an upper limit of 70 years for such offices.
Zwanziger: That is true, but this also has its disadvantages. This age barrier will be a factor at our next major assembly, when a number of important members will be forced to retire. It will be very hard to replace their collective experience. On the other hand, this offers a chance for the next generation. There are really two sides to this argument.
