FCA takes a stand against forgetting
Living and defending democracy
Social
01.02.2026, 10:00
On 27 January 1945, the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp was liberated. Every year around this date, the football community commemorates those who were persecuted, deported and murdered under National Socialism. FC Augsburg took part in the 22nd anniversary of the ‘!NieWieder’ initiative during its Bundesliga home game against FC St. Pauli out of conviction and responsibility.
A look back at history shows that sport was not a neutral space under National Socialism. It was deliberately exploited for disciplinary purposes, for propaganda and for preparing for war. In the concentration camps, sport served to entertain the perpetrators and at the same time as a means of extermination. The Nazi regime also used major events such as the 1936 Olympic Games to demonstrate its power and implement its racist persecution policy.
Football clubs and associations often willingly submitted to this. Democratic structures were destroyed and organisations brought into line. This was particularly evident in the systematic exclusion of Jewish members. Jewish players, coaches and officials were removed from their positions, excluded and forced out of club life. This often happened in anticipatory obedience. Yet it was precisely Jewish involvement that had played a decisive role in establishing and shaping football in Germany.
Remembrance, responsibility and attitude
Resistance remained the exception and came almost exclusively from workers' associations. After 1945, personnel continuity in many associations prevented honest reappraisal. The myth of apolitical sport continued to have an effect and obscured responsibility.
This history is still relevant today. Sport is an important part of our society and thrives on fundamental democratic values. Professional football in particular has enormous appeal and reach. That is precisely why football needs to take a clear and courageous stand against anti-Semitism, racism and all forms of discrimination. Democracy and democratic values cannot be taken for granted, but must be actively lived and resolutely defended.
The FC Augsburg club statutes and 07 values provide the framework for this. They shape FCA's self-image and commit us to a certain attitude and course of action. Remembrance is part of this responsibility. Those who face up to history strengthen democracy in the present.
The 22nd Day of Remembrance in German football is therefore more than just a day of commemoration. It is a mission to stand up resolutely for an open and democratic society, day after day.
