Order of the NFL games in Munich and Frankfurt open, American Football – Newsticker
The NFL is coming to Germany. The best football league in the world will be holding a main round game in Munich for the first time this fall. In an interview with the German Press Agency, the new Germany boss Alexander Steinforth talks about the processes and intentions of the NFL.
Are the four games in Munich and Frankfurt or is there a different rhythm?
Alexander Steinforth: As a first step, we fixed Munich 22 and we know we will play two in Munich and two in Frankfurt. We haven’t fixed the years after that yet, so we’re going to focus on 2022 for now. The big challenge will be to stage an NFL regular season game in Germany for the first time in a relatively short period of time. Of course, over the course of the year and when the game is played, we will be in close contact with Munich and Frankfurt and see how it fits best. These are super complex processes, also because we have to talk to the DFL about scheduling options. That WILL be decided over the course of the year.
What were the hurdles?
Steinforth: We talked to the very end with three cities, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich. With three cities, we have spoken with the city, with the country and with the club and the stadium operator. It was clear to us that we wanted to get the best package for the NFL and for American Football in Germany. So there were three processes running in parallel, where we always looked at how to come together. What is the country willing to put in, what is the city willing to put in, of course always matched by NFL spending. What can you do in the stadium. In the end it is also important that we have the DFL (German Football League, note) on one board, because we are striving for a partnership there and see how we can support each other.
Who is paying whom money?
Steinforth: In the end, it’s definitely the case that the NFL invests. Setting up a game like this is incredibly expensive in terms of logistics and everything that goes with it. Teams are significantly, significantly larger than, for example, in football. What is also clear: We want to build a really great event around it. It shouldn’t just be the one game. The game itself is expensive, but the goal is that we are present in Germany all year round. The league will take money to fund flag football, for example.
How will the cooperation with the European Football League EFL look like?
Steinforth: We are happy about the initiatives and think it’s great that there are so many developments in football in Germany. I’ve only officially been on board for seven days and haven’t had many calls yet, but I know the first call is on the calendar. We’ll see in which direction this develops. But it is clear, we want to work with all stakeholders.
How do you decide which teams will play the first game in Germany? Will these be two of the four who have marketing rights in Germany, i.e. the Kansas City Chiefs, the New England Patriots, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers?
Steinforth: Of course they are extremely interested and absolutely want to play in Germany. In the end, such a process of drawing up a game plan is incredibly complex. The owners have a say, those responsible for sport have a say. First we’re going to announce the home team, and then when the NFL schedule comes out, you’ll see how the game looks overall. In late spring, fans know that.
PERSONAL: Alexander Steinforth has officially been the Germany boss of the NFL since the beginning of the month and bears the title General Manager. The former management consultant from Düsseldorf most recently worked for Deutsche Sport Marketing and was previously employed by Fortuna Düsseldorf and Manchester United, among others.
Source: dpa