German Speed Skating Federation Sues Broadcaster, Bans Journalists Amidst Dispute
The German Speed Skating and Short Track Federation (DESG) is embroiled in a deepening conflict with public broadcaster ARD, escalating to legal action and the barring of journalists from a recent press conference. The dispute, stemming from a critical report alleging mismanagement within the federation, has ignited a firestorm of controversy, raising questions about press freedom and transparency in German sports administration. DESG President Matthias Große has accused ARD reporters of attempting to “drive the federation to the slaughterhouse,” and has personally leveled harsh accusations against journalist Hajo Seppelt, alleging his reporting nearly led to the suicide of Olympic speed skating champion Claudia Pechstein.
The conflict centers around a report by ARD journalists Hajo Seppelt and Jörg Mebus, which aired in early February, detailing alleged issues within the DESG. Große, who is also the life partner of Pechstein, responded with a strongly worded condemnation of the report during a press conference, announcing a lawsuit against ARD for defamation and issuing a ban on Seppelt and Mebus from future DESG events. This move has drawn criticism from both the ARD and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), who have voiced concerns about the restriction of press access.
Background: Years of Disappointing Olympic Results
The current dispute unfolds against a backdrop of disappointing Olympic performances for German speed skaters. The nation has failed to secure a medal in speed skating at the Winter Olympics since 2014 in Sochi, continuing through the games in Pyeongchang (2018), Beijing (2022), and most recently, the 2026 games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Große directly attributed this lack of success to the ARD’s reporting, claiming that the coverage negatively impacted the team’s performance. “The ARD and Hajo Seppelt have crashed our Olympic Games,” he stated, adding the deeply concerning claim about Pechstein’s well-being.
Seppelt has a long history of reporting on issues within German sports, most notably his extensive coverage of Claudia Pechstein’s doping case. Pechstein was initially banned for two years in 2009 after irregularities were found in her blood samples, a ban she vehemently contested, claiming innocence. Seppelt’s reporting throughout the case brought significant scrutiny to the anti-doping procedures and the evidence presented against Pechstein. The case remains controversial, with Pechstein continuing to maintain her innocence and pursuing legal challenges.
ARD and DOSB Respond to the Ban
Axel Balkausky, ARD’s Sports Coordinator, responded to the press conference ban, calling it an “unprecedented event” and raising questions about the financial support the DESG receives from the German government and other institutions. This highlights a potential vulnerability for the DESG, as public funding is often contingent on transparency, and accountability.
The DOSB also issued a statement, emphasizing the importance of press freedom. “We expect our legally independent and autonomous member organizations to respect press freedom in the same way that we do,” the statement read. This underscores the broader implications of the DESG’s actions, potentially setting a precedent for limiting media access within other German sports federations.
DESG President Defends Federation Against Allegations
During the press conference, Große and DESG Treasurer Clarissa Forster addressed several specific allegations raised in the ARD report. They refuted claims of a climate of fear within the organization, stating that demanding performance is not the same as creating an intimidating environment. Große drew a comparison to human rights abuses in Iran and the dangers faced by civilians in Ukraine to illustrate the difference.
Regarding claims that athletes were required to pay for team clothing, Große explained that athletes are required to return the clothing after one year, as gifting it is legally prohibited. However, he stated that athletes have the option to purchase the clothing for a fee of 50 euros plus value-added tax.
The DESG also addressed concerns about athletes being required to cover travel expenses up to 2,000 euros. Große clarified that athletes who qualified for competitions did not have to pay any expenses. However, he acknowledged that athletes who wished to attend competitions early or who qualified for events they were not initially funded for might be responsible for covering the additional costs, in consultation with the federation. Frank Dittrich, the DESG’s head of elite sports, provided an example of an athlete covering 500.99 euros for extended travel arrangements.
Forster defended the financial stability of the DESG, stating that the organization had moved from a deficit of 515,000 euros in 2019 to a surplus of 145,000 euros in 2024, representing a positive turnaround of 660,000 euros over five years. She asserted that the DESG was never at risk of insolvency and that all financial matters had been approved by its funding provider.
Finally, Große refuted allegations that prize money had been withheld from athletes for extended periods. He claimed that some funds were even disbursed before the receipt of prize money from the International Skating Union (ISU), and that the average payout time in Germany is between six and 26 weeks. According to DESG records, the maximum delay in prize money disbursement was 476 days in 2023, but most payments were processed within 185 days.
Legal Implications and Future Outlook
The lawsuit filed by the DESG against ARD is expected to be a lengthy and complex legal battle. The outcome could have significant implications for the relationship between sports federations and the media in Germany, potentially setting a precedent for how critical reporting is handled. The legal proceedings will likely focus on whether the ARD’s report contained defamatory statements and whether the federation’s response – the press conference ban and lawsuit – was a justifiable exercise of its rights or an infringement on press freedom.
The situation also raises broader questions about governance and transparency within the DESG. The allegations of mismanagement and financial irregularities, even if refuted by the federation, highlight the necessitate for robust oversight and accountability mechanisms. The DOSB’s statement underscores the importance of maintaining a free and open media environment to ensure that such issues are brought to light.
As of February 27, 2026, the next step in this unfolding saga is the formal response from ARD to the DESG’s legal complaint, which is expected within the coming weeks. The court will then determine whether to hear the case and schedule a preliminary hearing. The outcome of this legal battle will undoubtedly shape the future of sports reporting and governance in Germany.
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