Germany is "trying to overcome a fierce national debate" in its bid to host Euro 2024 as "tensions rise over the country’s openness to migrants and the decision by one of its leading players to abandon the national team amid accusations of racism," according to Murad Ahmed of the FINANCIAL TIMES. UEFA will decide at the end of the month whether Germany or Turkey will host the tournament -- a "race that many believe has taken on broader political significance." German FA (DFB) General Secretary Friedrich Curtius said that the choice would be made for sporting reasons, but "you have to see [if there will be] a political impact." There have been "clashes" between Berlin and Ankara in recent years, particularly over Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s "increasing authoritarianism and pursuit of a nationalist agenda." Meanwhile, Germany’s 2.7 million-strong Turkish community has "become a target of rightwing German politicians who rally against immigration." Tensions "spilled" on to the football field after German national team players Mesut Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan, the sons of Turkish immigrants, were photographed with Erdogan. Curtius said, "It would have been better if we played a very strong and good World Cup and we didn't have this whole Ozil issue, that's clear." However, he added that "other factors, such as more experience hosting big events and Germany's superior human rights record, would boost his country's bid" (FT, 9/9).
