TOGETHER! Stop Hate. Be a Team: DFL runs annual campaign to promote diversity, respect and social cohesion
Under the motto 'TOGETHER! Stop hate. Be a team.', the DFL (German Football League) is once again joining forces with the DFL Foundation and the 36 Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs as part of its annual campaign to prevent discrimination in all its forms and promote social cohesion.
The campaign will run on Matchday 27 in parallel with the International Weeks Against Racism (16–29 March 2026), and reinforces the year-round commitment of German professional football to anti-discrimination.
Discrimination in Germany – figures that give pause for thought
The social challenges are considerable: hatred and discrimination continue to rise in Germany. In 2024, the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency received around 11,400 requests for advice from people who had experienced discrimination – a record high. A Forsa study from March 2025 shows that around three-quarters of those surveyed perceive more insults, disrespect and aggression in social interactions.
Marc Lenz, DFL Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the DFL Foundation, emphasises: "Football brings millions of people together. It is precisely this power and reach that we want to harness to set boundaries and stand up for respectful coexistence. A positive future can only be shaped together – in sport just as much as in our society."
Professional football thrives on diversity
The Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 embody diversity: players from 64 nations currently play in the two leagues. Week in, week out, both on and off the pitch, they demonstrate how solidarity, respect and team spirit work, regardless of origin, religion or identity.
The clubs and their fans, along with the DFL, are also actively involved in numerous anti-discrimination initiatives throughout the year.
TOGETHER! – Visible in the stadiums and beyond
On the day of the campaign, the message ‘TOGETHER! Stop Hate. Be a Team.’ will be on display in the stadiums. Banners, match balls, corner flags and substitution boards will feature the slogan, and it will also be showcased during TV broadcasts and on the digital channels of the clubs and partners. The campaign video begins by showing real hate messages, using various examples to illustrate how hate can sound and feel in our society. Towards the end, the video highlights many positive moments of solidarity and unity from the stadiums of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2: together, we can stand up to hate.
The activities extend far beyond the stadium: All 36 professional clubs are involved in a wide range of initiatives promoting solidarity, diversity and combating discrimination – an overview can be found at bundesliga-wirkt.dfl.de. To mark the campaign matchday, for example, the kids’ clubs of 1. FSV Mainz 05 and Eintracht Frankfurt are organising a joint workshop on respect and fairness with 30 children and young people. The DFL Foundation and Lernort Stadion e.V. are supporting the “March Against Bullying” campaign launched by Aktion Mensch with special workshops on respectful and non-discriminatory coexistence.
The TOGETHER! Action matchday is part of German professional football’s ongoing commitment to social issues. Since 2012, the Bundesliga has also taken a clear stand during the International Weeks Against Racism. This year, the message is clear: Stop Hate.
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