Racism in football: New studies reveal shocking discrimination!

Racism in football: New studies reveal shocking discrimination!

A worrying phenomenon has emerged in German football: racist stereotypes have a demonstrable influence on the perception of player positions. A recent study by the University of Osnabrück, published in the journal Ethnic and Racial Studies, shows that the attribution of abilities is highly distorted depending on skin color. Marjorie Berns, Dr. Luisa Liekefett and Prof. Dr. Julia Becker from the University of Osnabrück and Lara Kronenbitter and Tina Nobis from the University of Wuppertal. The study examines the concept of so-called “racist stacking” and found that white players are disproportionately used in central positions such as goalkeeper, while black players are increasingly used in physically demanding positions such as forward or wing uni-osnabrueck.de reported.

In an experimental study, test subjects were confronted with photos of players in order to evaluate their suitability for different positions. The results were clear: Black players were considered more suitable for more athletic positions, while white players were preferred for the goalkeeper role. However, such assessments change as objective performance data becomes available—underscoring the effectiveness of racist stereotypes when concrete information is lacking.

Racist attributions in the system

Additional findings come from a pilot study by the German Center for Integration and Migration Research (DeZIM), which examines the overrepresentation of white players in positions associated with game intelligence and leadership skills. This study also reveals that black actors are often represented in positions that are strongly associated with physical athleticism and aggressiveness. The results emphasize the ramifications of racist stacking, which is also reflected in the management levels of Bundesliga clubs, where almost exclusively white men are to be found dezim-institut.de summarizes.

In addition, a report from the Berlin Institute for Integration and Migration Research shows that in the 2020/21 Bundesliga season there were no black goalkeepers and 20.6% of the players were black, highlighting the discrepancy between players and their positions. The need for action is clearly visible, as the DFB makes clear in its anti-racism campaign “Football time is the best time against racism”, which aims to address not only the professional but also the local amateur football world bpb.de notes.

The necessary change process

Racism in football is a complex problem. Prominent voices such as Jude Bellingham have expressed frustration at the insufficient commitment of associations against discrimination. Incidents of racist abuse, such as that of Vinícius Júnior, who has not only lost his passion for sport but also acts as a symbol of resistance against racism, demonstrate the urgency of the problem. In Europe, for example, Kick It Out reported a 65% increase in racist incidents.

Experts are not only calling for stricter measures against racism, but also for the creation of quotas to increase the representation of ethnic minorities in decision-making structures. The unequal distribution of power in football, which is reflected both in the stadiums and in the management rooms, must be questioned. Racism often manifests itself in both explicit and implicit forms, while structural discrimination still exists.

The results of these studies and reports show that it is time to question the structures of football and initiate real change. Only through transparent performance evaluations, raising awareness and openly addressing racism in football can an improvement in the current situation be achieved.