BERLIN — The German soccer federation’s ethics committee will not take any action against Schalke chairman Clemens Tönnies for making racist comments.
The committee said in a statement that it will not open proceedings against the 63-year-old businessman “because Mr. Tönnies was able to convincingly show that he was not a racist during the in-depth hearing and questioning.”
Tönnies has been under fire since telling a public meeting on Aug. 1 that it was better to fund 20 power plants a year in Africa rather than increase taxes to fight climate change because “then the Africans would stop cutting down trees, and they would stop making babies when it gets dark.”
Tönnies, the Schalke chairman since 2001, apologized for the comments and responded to ongoing criticism by stepping down as Schalke president for three months.
Schalke, which said allegations of racism were “unsubstantiated” though claims of discrimination were “justified,” has also been criticized for its lack of response.
Many Schalke fans called for Tönnies to depart the club permanently. The club’s supporters held red cards during the 5-0 win at fourth-tier club SV Drochtersen/Assel in the German Cup and displayed a banner saying: “We’re showing Tönnies the red card.”
Bayern Munich fans also addressed the matter during their Bundesliga win at Schalke on Saturday, displaying banners that read: “Tönnies, just one of many!” and “Red card for racists!”
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