German federation mulls game for Enke, foundation

Nov 18, 2009, 11:16 GMT

   Gelsenkirchen, Germany - The German Football Federation DFB is considering a match as farewell for goalkeeper Robert Enke and may set up a foundation in his name to help research into depression.

The DFB is looking at the possibility of a match between the German national team and Enke's club side, Hanover 96, if a suitable date can be found, federation president Theo Zwanziger said.

Zwanziger told Wednesday's Sport Bild weekly a foundation bearing Enke's name could work together with existing institutions in the fields of therapy and research into depression.

One of the foundation's aims would be to increase public awareness about depression. However any foundation would have to be subject to the agreement of Enke's family, Zwanziger said.

Enke, who had been suffering for many years from depression, took his own life eight days ago.

Although Hanover 96 have spoken out in favour of a match against the national team to honour their late goalkeeper and captain it might be difficult to arrange a suitable date, Zwanziger said.

January 11 or 12 - which are marketing dates for the national team - are possibilities, but come shortly before the resumption of the Bundesliga following the winter break, Zwanziger said.

Bayern Munich are playing Hoffenheim on Friday January 15 in the first of that weekend's programme, while some clubs will only just have returned from winter training camps.

There have been no talks so far on the issue with Bundesliga clubs, Zwanziger added.