PR disaster for German World Cup team over backdoor exit

By John Bagratuni Jul 13, 2010, 14:48 GMT

Hamburg - The German football federation DFB issued a lukewarm apology for the World Cup team's exit through the back door on its return the previous day in what is becoming a PR disaster.

In a letter posted on the national team website (team.dfb.de) and signed simply dfb, and quoting neither a player nor an official, the authors say 'the team (team.dfb.de) apologizes to those who came (to Frankfurt) in vain.

'The team doesn't want to alienate its devoted fans.'

Several hundred fans had come to Frankfurt airport early Monday to welcome the team of coach Joachim Loew and captain Philipp Lahm which had thrilled in South Africa with attractive football and finished third.

However, they never got to see their idols as the players left through the back door for their homes or holiday destinations.

This upset many fans after the whole country had rallied behind the team in a similar frenzy as in the 2006 home edition.

The DFB insisted in the letter that a celebration at the airport had never been planned because the team did not deem it appropriate to be hailed for a third-place finish.

'This team wants more, for itself and the fans,' said the letter.

The airport PR flop came after the team also refused a celebratory reception at the Berlin fanfest for the same reasons.

This was also criticised by fans and parts of the football community including national icon Franz Beckenbauer - even more as there had been such events after the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008.

The Bild daily on Tuesday quoted midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger as saying 'we got a lot of support and are very thankful,' only to add 'what a shame that the fans at the airport didn't notice this.'

ZDF television on Monday spoke of an 'ignominious departure' and quoted one fan as naming the exit 'embarrassing ... They could have showed up for five minutes and waved.'

As a result, the DFB pleaded to the fans not to turn their back on the team after the incidents.

'We really wish that you remain dedicated to your national team. And that you will have the chance in the near future to celebrate a title with this young and hopeful team.'