Union Berlin Condemns Basler’s Remarks on Women’s Football, Sparking Debate
In a sharp rebuke coinciding with International Women’s Day, German Bundesliga club Union Berlin publicly criticized former Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin player Mario Basler for disparaging remarks he made about women’s football. The club’s response, delivered via social media with a pointed visual, has ignited a wider conversation about sexism and respect within the sport. The incident underscores the growing visibility and professionalization of women’s football, and the resistance it still faces from some corners of the established football world.
Basler, 57, a television pundit known for his outspoken views, recently reiterated his long-held skepticism about the quality and legitimacy of women’s football during an appearance on the ARD podcast “Mario Basler – letzter Typ.” His comments prompted a swift and forceful response from Union Berlin, who posted a screenshot of Basler with a clown emoji superimposed on his face on their Instagram account. The club’s message, translated from German, stated, “Some clowns should stay silent. Today is International Women’s Day – and Union supporters celebrate all our women and girls, not just today.” The post was accompanied by a video showcasing highlights of Union Berlin’s women’s team, emphasizing their skill and passion for the game.
A History of Disparaging Remarks
This is not the first time Basler has voiced his disapproval of women’s football. As far back as 2013, while playing for Hertha Berlin (making 78 appearances and scoring 19 goals between 1991 and 1993), he stated, “Football is not for women” and suggested that if women wanted to compete on a pitch, they should take up tennis instead. According to Bild, Basler repeated these sentiments on the recent podcast, claiming, “Nothing has changed. It has nothing to do with football. Just watching them run, shoot, or tackle… When do you ever see a proper tackle from a woman? I still believe it’s not a sport for women!”
The podcast’s moderator, Katharina Reckers, challenged Basler’s views, suggesting he “maybe should just keep quiet.” Her intervention, yet, did little to dissuade Basler from his position. Union Berlin’s response can be seen as a direct answer to Basler’s continued negativity and a strong statement of support for their own women’s team and the broader women’s game.
Union Berlin’s Commitment to Women’s Football
Union Berlin’s public condemnation of Basler is particularly noteworthy given the club’s significant investment in and commitment to developing its women’s football program. In 2024, the club opened a state-of-the-art training facility, Oberspree, dedicated to its women’s and youth teams, representing a €25 million investment. Rathausnachrichten reports that Union Berlin has also provided professional contracts to all its female players, a move that reflects a growing trend towards professionalization within the women’s game.
This investment is already yielding results. After securing two consecutive promotions, Union Berlin’s women’s team is currently competing in the Bundesliga, the top tier of German women’s football. As of March 9, 2026, they hold the ninth position in the league standings. The team has also demonstrated its ability to attract fans, setting a second-division attendance record of 14,047 spectators at a match against Ingolstadt at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. This level of support highlights the growing interest in women’s football within the community and contrasts sharply with Basler’s dismissive attitude.
Wider Reactions and the Ongoing Debate
Basler’s comments have sparked a significant backlash online, with many social media users condemning his views as outdated and disrespectful. The Berliner Kurier reports that the controversy has escalated into a “TV Eklat” and a widespread “Shitstorm” on social media. The ARD, the broadcaster of the podcast, has also faced criticism for providing a platform for Basler’s views, and has issued a statement addressing the controversy.
The debate surrounding Basler’s remarks reflects a broader discussion about the challenges faced by women’s football in gaining recognition and respect. Despite significant progress in recent years, including increased investment, growing viewership, and improved player development, the sport continues to be undermined by sexism and prejudice. The incident also raises questions about the responsibility of media personalities and broadcasters to challenge discriminatory views and promote inclusivity.
The Growing Momentum of Women’s Football
The increasing professionalization of women’s football, exemplified by Union Berlin’s investment and the growing popularity of the Bundesliga Frauen, is challenging long-held stereotypes and demonstrating the sport’s potential. The FIFA Women’s World Cup continues to break viewership records, and more and more clubs are recognizing the importance of investing in their women’s teams. This momentum is driven by the talent and dedication of female players, the passion of fans, and the growing recognition that women’s football deserves the same level of respect and support as the men’s game.
The controversy surrounding Mario Basler’s comments serves as a stark reminder that the fight for equality in football is far from over. However, the swift and decisive response from Union Berlin, and the widespread condemnation of Basler’s views, demonstrate that there is a growing appetite for change and a determination to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for women in football.
Looking ahead, the focus will remain on continuing to grow the women’s game, challenging discriminatory attitudes, and ensuring that female players receive the support and recognition they deserve. The upcoming fixtures in the Bundesliga Frauen, and the continued development of youth programs, will be key indicators of the sport’s progress.
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