German team cancels American tour due to political situation
Werder Bremen, a German club, has canceled its promotional tour in the United States due to the tense political and social climate, particularly following violent incidents in Minneapolis.
Werder Bremen, a football club from Germany, has officially canceled its planned promotional tour in the United States, originally scheduled for May. The decision was largely influenced by the recent political and social tensions, particularly the violent events that occurred in Minneapolis, where two individuals were shot and killed by state authorities. Klaus Filbry, the club's managing director, emphasized that conducting activities in a city marked by unrest contradicts the values upheld by the club.
The cancellation reflects broader concerns about safety and the social climate in areas where they intended to play. Filbry commented on the inadvisability of scheduling matches in places with ongoing turmoil, stressing that such conditions do not align with the club's principles. The decision also highlights the sensitivity and awareness that sports teams must have regarding the sociopolitical conditions of their tour locations, particularly given the potential impact on players and staff.
Additionally, Filbry raised concerns over new restrictions regarding social media disclosures for visitors to the U.S. These regulations could require individuals to reveal their social media activities from the past five years, generating uncertainty for the club regarding the implications for its players. The combination of political instability in U.S. cities and the potential complications posed by new travel regulations ultimately led to the decision to abandon the American tour.