At a ceremony at Berlin’s Bellevue Palace, Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier awarded 15 citizens with an Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany – among them VfB CEO Thomas Hitzlsperger.
In his speech, Steinmeier highlighted the efforts of the seven women and eight men in breaking down prejudices and fighting against marginalisation and discrimination. “We honour a former international footballer and German champion with VfB Stuttgart, who broke a taboo by coming out in public and who has been fighting against homophobia, sexism and racism in stadiums and clubs for many years,” he said in reference to Hitzlsperger.
VfB Stuttgart congratulates its CEO Thomas Hitzlsperger on being honoured with the Federal Cross of Merit.