Many of you will have heard about the blow out between the German FA and footballer Mesut Özil who has decided not to play for Germany anymore, citing immense racial abuse and disrespect following Germany’s dismal performance at the World Cup. Many players, especially those with naturalised citizenship, have voiced similar grievances before, where they are hailed after good performances and crucified when things go wrong. I find this disappointing at a time when we’re trying so hard to convince ourselves that racism is on its way out. I don’t think it’s ever going to go away. I’m not the biggest Fan of France’s National Team and yet there I was willing them to win the World Cup. Why? Because of the likes of Kylian Mbappé, N’Golo Kanté, Blaise Matuidi, Pogba and Umtiti. I can guarantee you that had France not won, Some people would have been accused the players of not loving their country enough and taking the opportunity to play for the National Team for granted. That’s how twisted this racial debate gets. Personally, I’ve always believed that Sportsmen and women have the right to choose who to play for. This is their job and source of livelihood. If someone fancies their chances in Europe, US or wherever, they have a right to pursue their dreams. Would I want players with African Ancestry to play for their native countries? Absolutely. But let’s be honest. They have a better chance of making it elsewhere and at the end of the day, you need to pay the bills and take care of your family so if that means switching Nationalities, then so be it. But let’s also not forget that some of these players were actually born in Germany, France, Belgium, England... after their parents or grandparents fled war-torn regions and other kinds of strife not just here in Africa but the Middle East and elsewhere too. Most of them are professionals in the true sense of the word and once they pick their camp, they put in the work and give their best. It’s not up to us to then dictate where they should play or “measure” their level of patriotism, unless of course someone goes out of their way to show us that they don’t care about whichever Team they choose, which is rare. Even for cases of split loyalties, I think it’s only natural so rather than issuing death threats and spewing hate speech against a player, talk to them to try and address the underlying issues. I have a problem with match fixing and the betting cancer afflicting many Sports but other than that, I think we need to give Sportsmen and women a break. They’re entitled to personal opinions and should be able express whatever causes and values they stand for without being penalised or ostracized. It’s called Freedom of Speech. Now, I’m not saying they should carry offensive placards or Molotov cocktails into training grounds and stadiums or pose for photos with ISIS and such. Like I said, these are professionals and most of them know better. All I’m saying is that they’re allowed to have an opinion, just like the rest of us.
