German Bundesliga club Werder Bremen have cancelled a planned trip to the United States, citing concerns over unrest in Minnesota linked to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, as well as economic risks, a club spokesperson confirmed on Friday.
The club had been due to visit Minnesota and Detroit in May for two friendly matches, though no opponents had been confirmed. The decision follows the fatal shooting of two US citizens by federal agents in Minnesota last month, which has stoked tensions in the area.
“It is correct that we cancelled a planned trip to Minnesota in the United States. There were sporting, economic and political reasons for this,” the spokesperson said. “Playing in a city where there is unrest and people have been shot does not fit with our values. Furthermore, it was unclear to us which players would be able to enter the USA at all due to the stricter entry requirements.”
The club’s precarious league position also played a part. Werder Bremen are 16th in the Bundesliga, occupying the relegation playoff spot, and have not won in their last 12 matches. With 19 points from 22 games, they face second-bottom St Pauli on Sunday, who have 17 points.
“We are currently facing a very challenging sporting situation, which also makes planning such a trip difficult. There have also been certain economic risks,” the spokesperson added.
