In a strong-worded attack on the German Football Association (DFB), former Arsenal and Turbine Potsdam player, Tabea Kemme, has expressed her discontent over the lack of progress and desire for reform within the association.

Kemme’s criticism comes in the wake of the recent Women’s World Cup disappointment, targeting issues such as international expertise, team communication, and equal pay.

• Tabea Kemme criticises DFB for the lack of internal change and the suppression of critical voices within the team.
• Kemme highlights the importance of international expertise and bemoans the loss of deserving ex-players like Nadine Angerer and Babett Peter.
• Discontent with the team’s negotiations around bonuses and equal pay has been noted, with Kemme accusing the DFB of prioritising equal play over equal pay.

Former Arsenal player criticises lack of reform within DFB

Former Arsenal WFC star, Tabea Kemme, has lashed out at the DFB, stating, “I don’t have the feeling that the association wants to change anything from the inside.” Her discontent was expressed in a column for the news portal “t-online” and comes following a poor performance at the Women’s World Cup.

Discontent with internal communication and power structure

Kemme highlighted the fear of loss of power among the decision-makers, accusing them of blocking proposals for change from outside sources.

This sentiment is evident in the lack of international expertise within the DFB, something Kemme argues would be “extremely good for Germany.”

The absence of a critical spirit within the DFB team during the World Cup was another point of criticism.

Kemme mentioned the lack of outspoken players such as goalkeeper Almuth Schult, who had been vocal during Euro 2022.

Negotiations and pay equality

Discussing the negotiations around bonuses and equal pay, Kemme pointed out the dissatisfaction within the team.

“The DFB has been saying for several months that equal play is more important than equal pay – and the players are annoyed by the topic,” she wrote.

The former Arsenal star also noted that some players were willing to speak out but were silenced by the DFB’s internal press department.

Kemme’s Arsenal perspective

While playing for Turbine Potsdam and Arsenal WFC in England, Kemme was an advocate for reform and equality within women’s football.

Her criticism of the DFB highlights the ongoing challenges faced by female athletes, and her Arsenal perspective adds weight to the debate in the UK.

Conclusion

Tabea Kemme‘s criticisms of the DFB signal a growing discontent within the ranks of German women’s football.

The lack of desire for reform, suppression of critical voices, and ongoing issues with pay equality reflect the broader challenges within the sport.