Reinhard Grindel
Reinhard Grindel is a German football administrator who served as the president of the German Football Association (DFB) from 2016 to 2019. He was a key figure in German football during a period of significant controversy, particularly regarding the treatment of players with immigrant backgrounds, most notably Mesut Ozil. Grindel faced criticism for his handling of the fallout from Ozil's resignation from the national team, which Ozil attributed to racism within the DFB. His tenure was marked by challenges in addressing diversity and inclusion within German football, leading to increased scrutiny and ultimately his departure from the DFB.
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Recent news mentions
Reinhard Grindel was a former DFB president who agreed to pay a fine to end the proceedings.
DFB: Freispruch für Osnabrügge in der Steueraffäre - Verband kämpft um Rückzahlung - Sport
Germany· 2026-02-04
Reinhard Grindel was another predecessor of Bernd Neuendorf who had to resign.
DFB-Bundestag: Einstimmig gewählt - Neuendorf bleibt Präsident - SportGermany· 2025-11-07
Reinhard Grindel is a former DFB president who sought to clarify the financial issues surrounding the World Cup.
Der Kampf der alten weißen Männer im Sommermärchen-Prozess
Luxembourg· 2025-02-25
At the time, DFB president Reinhard Grindel accused the players of being 'exploited' for political purposes.
Mesut Ozil enters politics, joins Turkey president's ruling party
Kenya· 2025-02-25
Reinhard Grindel is the president of the German Football Association, whom Ozil criticized for not supporting him.
Ex-German star footballer Ozil goes into Turkish politics with ruling party - Sport
Pakistan· 2025-02-24