Stuttgart CEO, Wehrle speaks on future of gay in football

 

BERLIN – VfB Stuttgart CEO Alexander Wehrle expects active footballers in Germany to come out as gay in the near future because diversity has come a long way.

No active footballer has come out in Germany to date. But former German international and Stuttgart player Thomas Hitzlsperger came out after his playing career, 10 years ago in January 2014.

Wehrle told dpa that diversity efforts from clubs, federations and fan groups were “clearly visible” as “a lot has been prepared here in recent years for the coming out of an active footballer.

“I am convinced that it will happen – maybe not by an individual but by a group,” he said.

Former German junior international Marcus Urban said recently he was aiming to organize such a group coming out together with others.

Wehrle, who himself is openly gay, said: “It is a very individual decision which I would encourage, but which I would never demand of anyone concerned. It is a decision you have to make for yourself.”

Should a player approach him, “I would give him positive encouragement, inform the team and then also sensitise media representatives accordingly that they are welcome to report on it for a day, but should not exploit it forever.”