German Football Club Coach Markus Anfang Resigns After False Vaccine Claims | News | DW

[ad_1]

German second division football club Werder Bremen have announced that their head coach Markus Anfang has resigned with immediate effect.

It comes as the prosecution has opened an investigation into the alleged use of a false COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

In a statement posted on the football team’s website, Anfang said: “Due to the extreme stress caused to the club, the team, my family and myself, I have decided to withdraw. immediately from my role as head coach of Werder Bremen. “

Assistant coach Florian Junge has announced that he too will be leaving the club.

Club says coaches took responsibility

The Bremen prosecutor’s office confirmed on Friday that it was investigating allegations that the two coaching staff allegedly used false documents on the COVID-19 vaccine after the city’s health office filed a criminal complaint.

Late Thursday, Anfang claimed he received both vaccines. “I received my two vaccines at an official vaccination center and got the documents to prove it,” Anfang said in a statement. “I really hope this matter will be cleared up soon.”

The club originally decided to declare Anfang innocent and posted a statement on their website, which appears to have since been removed.

In the club’s latest statement, manager Frank Baumann said both coaches have taken responsibility and the club are now looking for a new head coach.

“Markus and Florian take responsibility for their approach and help put an end to the unrest that has erupted around the club and the team in recent days. We respect their decision and will now start looking for a new head coach,” he said. Baumann said.

Club staff member tested positive for COVID-19

The debacle involving senior coaches is not the only challenge facing the football club. The leader of the scouting and professional football teams, Clemens Fritz, has tested positive for COVID-19.

The club have confirmed that Fritz, who was once a professional footballer himself, has tested positive for the coronavirus. The club said they had not felt any symptoms.

Fritz was also considered the only individual affected by quarantine.

Meanwhile, assistant coach Danjiel Zenkovic will lead the Bremen coaching team for Saturday night’s game against FC Schalke 04.

“We informed the coaching staff and the team of the new situation this morning before practice. We are confident that Danjiel will be able to successfully prepare them for tonight’s game, ”club manager Baumann said.

Under-19 head coach Christian Brand becomes Zenkovic’s assistant coach for the game.

ko / sri (AP, dpa, SID)

[ad_2]