Why Mesut Ozil is in trouble with German FA chief, Man City star in hot water too

Posted by

Mesut Ozil will be expected to play a prominent role in Germany’s bid to defend their World Cup crown this summer, but he has seemingly upset the German FA on the eve of the tournament.

The World Cup gets underway in Russia next month, and holders Germany will be expected to be amongst the strongest contenders after lifting the trophy in Brazil four years ago.

SEE MORE: Mesut Ozil angers Arsenal team-mates after missing Arsene Wenger’s last home game

However, the last thing that they’ll want is for off-the-field distractions and controversy to take their minds away from the importance of the tournament itself, and that’s just what Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan have seemingly done.

As seen in the images below, the pair were pictured with Turkey president Tayyip Erdogan, who has received criticism and widespread condemnation amid ongoing measures following elections to tighten his grip on control of the country.

Obviously the two Premier League stars have major ties with Turkey given they are of Turkish descent, but the decision to be pictured with Ergodan hasn’t gone down well with German FA chief Reinhard Grindel.

“Football and the DFB stands for values that Mr. Erdogan does not sufficiently respect,” he is quoted as saying by ESPN. “Therefore, it is not a good thing that our internationals have let themselves be exploited for his election campaign stunt. It certainly hasn’t helped the DFB’s integration efforts.”

It’s unlikely to cost them a place in the Germany squad for the World Cup as that would seem harsh, but they’ll certainly have to have a sit down with DFB officials as it clearly hasn’t gone down well with them on the basis of Grindel’s comments.

More Stories Ilkay Gundogan Mesut Ozil