DFL President Criticizes FSV Frankfurt's Sponsorship Deal With Saudia Airlines

German Football League (DFL) President Reinhard Rauball "has criticized 2nd Bundesliga side FSV Frankfurt and called for a termination of its sponsorship deal with Saudia Airlines," according to SPIEGEL ONLINE. The reason is that the Saudi Arabia-based airline "is allegedly refusing to transport Israeli citizens." Rauball said that if it would have been a shirt-sponsorship deal, the DFL "would have used its right and unauthorized the contract because according to its statutes shirt sponsorships are not allowed to violate the general guidelines of ethics and morale in sport." Rauball demanded the club "critically question the partnership and if necessary terminate the deal." The club said in a statement, "FSV Frankfurt stands for political neutrality, diversity and tolerance. It would never knowingly enter such a partnership. Should the accusations be true, we would, of course, immediately end the deal" (SPIEGEL ONLINE, 11/30).