Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 8y

German FA relax beer shower ban after Bayern and Dortmund final

The German FA (DFB) has softened its stance over players showering each other with beer after the German cup final between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

A report in German broadsheet Die Welt on Thursday claimed that the German FA told the two clubs that celebratory beer showers after the final whistle would not be allowed because of an anti-alcohol alliance the DFB recently forged.

However, the German FA clarified in Suddeutsche that while a beer shower ban might be in place before the official celebration, it could not be ruled out after the winners' photo is taken.

A DFB spokesperson said: "If somebody runs around with a beer glass after that, we will definitively not expel him."

Speaking to Die Welt, the three beer companies involved made their stance clear about the ban.

Bitburger, the DFB beer partner, said that they were delighted "if Bitburger is enjoyed during the celebrations and not spilled on the pitch." Brinkhoffs, Dortmund's sponsor, sensed a "decision motivated by alcohol politics." And Bayern's partner Paulaner said: "Beer showers are a cheerful ritual. They are just part of it."

Earlier this month, RB Leipzig coach Ralf Rangnick sustained a hamstring injury when trying to avoid being showered with beer during his club's promotion celebrations.

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