Rettig defends the agreement: "Nike is not a thief's hideout."

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.

Read also:

1. Despite growing up as an Adidas sibling, DFB Head Andreas Rettig had no qualms about partnering with Nike for the German national soccer team, citing the lucrative eight-year deal and its significance in supporting soccer in Germany.
2. During a recent EM Talk in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Andreas Rettig defended the partnership with Nike, stating that the German Football Association (DFB) couldn't sit on a pile of cash without investing in the players and supporters.
3. Andreas Rettig, who has faced immense financial pressure, clarified that the Nike partnership does not result in a salary increase for him personally, but it will help the German national soccer team prepare for the upcoming European Championship (EM).
4. In 2026, Adidas ended its thirty-year sponsorship with the German national soccer team, leaving only three potential suitors for negotiations, including Nike, and ultimately, DFB couldn't turn down the generous offer from a global sports brand like Nike.
5. After Andreas Rettig defended the Nike partnership as necessary to support soccer in Germany, critics may see this as a switch from traditionally popular brands such as Nike's competitor, Adidas, but Rettig assured that this partnership was essential for the future of German soccer and its national team.

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