Financial supporters - Rettig defends the agreement: "Nike is not a thief's hideout."
DFB Head Andreas Rettig spoke up in defense of the recent partnership with Nike for the second time. He explained that out of 13 potential suitors, only three were pursued for negotiations. "It was impossible to turn down the offer from Nike, with a contract spanning eight years and a hefty price tag in the millions," said the man aged 61 after Adidas ended its thirty-year sponsorship in 2026.
"We can't just sit on a pile of cash meant for our players and supporters. Nike is not a band of thieves. This money is instrumental in fostering football in Germany," he expressed during the EM Talk of 'Rheinische Post' in Düsseldorf on Tuesday night. "There's no raise in salary for me as a result of this deal."
Rettig, who grew up as an Adidas sisterner, stated that there was immense pressure regarding the current financial situation. "It's not like driving anything other than a VW makes you a traitor to the homeland," he added.
