The German Football Federation (DFB) recently caused a stir with its decision to switch from Adidas to Nike. The current information from “Sport Bild” provides more detailed information on the details of the contract with the American sporting goods giant and sheds light on the reasons for the separation of the long-standing equipment partner.
The news that the DFB Rejecting its long-standing supplier, Adidas, and working with its American competitor Nike in the future caused a stir last week. “Sport Bild” has uncovered explosive details about the change of supplier.
Adidas is said to have found out about the decision about Nike just 20 minutes before the PK.
The German sporting goods manufacturer was surprised at the official DFB press conference, which began at 4:24 p.m., and only found out about the decision 20 minutes earlier.
In addition, Adidas boss Björn Gulden was in person in the days before publication at the DFB headquarters in Frankfurt/Main to discuss a possible contract extension. It is also said that he submitted the corresponding offer.
Adidas offered 45 million guaranteed, Nike said it was 100
According to “Sport Bild”, this would amount to 55 million euros per year, an amount clearly lower than that of the American company. Furthermore, Adidas only guaranteed 45 million euros. The remaining ten million euros would be bonus payments linked to certain performance factors.
According to information from the economic newspaper Das Handelsblatt, Nike's offer would amount to at least 100 million euros per year. In the end, according to the DFB statement, Nike “made by far the best financial offer.”
The head of Nike is a big fan of German football
Furthermore, Nike CEO John Donahoe's extensive knowledge of German football was a decisive factor in the DFB deciding not only on Adidas, but also on ten other interested suppliers, such as Puma.
For years it has been no secret that Nike wanted to become a supplier to the DFB. Former DFB coach Oliver Bierhoff once said: “In November 2006, Nike asked me to make an offer to the DFB.”
500 million euros were supposed to flow over ten years, but the DFB refused at the time, apparently out of solidarity and loyalty to the local supplier.
By Finn Determeyer