Could the emergence of outgoing gay football players be shelved?
On Fridays, a highly anticipated group coming-out by professional footballers is set to occur, with some even alluding to the participation of famous athletes. However, concerns about the consequences are still holding these potential participants back. Initiator Marcus Urban has recently toned down his expectations, urging patience and understanding.
In spite of the anticipation, the subject of homosexuality in professional soccer remains a sensitive topic, which is why the recent buzz was nothing short of significant. The announcement of the group coming-out was slated for May 17, but Urban is now tempering expectations.
In an interview with "Stern," the initiator shared his concerns, "Active professional footballers are still hesitant." He added that he hasn't had direct conversations with any of these players, "They communicate through intermediaries. These players are being very careful. No one dares to come out."
The excitement built up in November, when Urban first announced the big reveal, anticipating a barrage of gay professionals coming out as part of the "Sports Free" campaign. However, now his plans are getting murky, as he says, "It's not entirely clear what will happen on May 17." Yet, he maintains that he is still in touch with european sports figures, "But many are taking the initiative themselves. We'll have to wait and see what they have planned." May 17 is no longer a concrete date, but rather a starting point, "A starting point for players and officials to publicly identify, if you will."
This is not Urban's sole focus, but rather, he wants to "establish a framework that makes things easier for the pros."
The Gay Sports Coalition website includes stories of openly gay individuals in the professional sports industry, such as Thomas Hitzlsperger, an ex-national team player. The organization has also shared a video from a TSG Hoffenheim media manager, Dirk Elbrächter, for the campaign.
Urban hopes that sports club employees will serve as role models for the athletes, "It might be that the sports club employees will become role models for the athletes." He paints a picture of hiding and seeking, in which gay players lead double lives -- protecting their sexuality with fake girlfriends and secret encounters.
So far, no active footballer in Germany has come out and the number of international examples is alarmingly low. One such player is the Czech national team member, Jakub Jankto, who shared his homosexuality last year. The fear of consequences seems to be too great. "Many players have internalized the belief that they would be written off in the industry if they revealed their sexuality," Urban states. He is a former footballer himself, who has known the pressures of the sport.
Despite the lack of concrete confirmation about the athletes' participation, Urban is optimistic, "Something major is happening right now." And according to him, the professional players are keeping an eye on what's to come, "I'm assured that they're keeping up with the developments."
Read also:
- Prodigies of sport: Littler's predecessors
- Nagelsmann's announcement: A restless Christmas for national team players
- What sports fans prefer to watch on television
- The calm before the upheaval: Nagelsmann's European Championship plans
Source: www.ntv.de
