Sat 9th Aug, 2025
Fortuna Düsseldorf has found itself in a challenging situation after it had to explain its decision not to sign Israeli striker Shon Weissman, despite having conducted a medical examination for the player. The controversy arose following social media backlash regarding Weissman’s previous statements advocating for the destruction of Gaza, which resurfaced online just before the club was set to announce his signing from Spanish club FC Granada.
In light of the growing anti-Semitism linked to the Israel-Palestine conflict, Fortuna Düsseldorf engaged in discussions with the Jewish community of Düsseldorf, which expressed concerns about the implications of signing a player associated with such contentious views. The club took this feedback seriously and subsequently released a statement clarifying its position. They expressed regret over the confusion caused by their initial intent to sign Weissman, noting that what began as a straightforward sporting decision transformed into a politically charged issue.
Fortuna Düsseldorf acknowledged that Weissman’s social media activity and the ensuing discussions did not align with the club’s values. Following comprehensive discussions with Weissman, the club concluded that it would not proceed with the contract. Club executive Klaus Allofs emphasized that the decision was not influenced by prejudice, questioning the absurdity of accusations of antisemitism against the club for considering a Jewish player.
As the club prepares for its first home match of the new season after a disappointing 1-5 defeat against Arminia Bielefeld, the absence of a capable striker has become increasingly evident. Coach Daniel Thioune remarked on the team’s need for offensive reinforcement, highlighting the significance of this decision amid a series of setbacks.
In their recent match against Hannover 96, six new players were included in the starting lineup, but the team suffered another loss, ending the game with a 0-2 scoreline. The performance was characterized by a lack of energy in the second half, as noted by goalkeeper Florian Kastenmeier. The team’s future matches will pose additional challenges, and the management has pledged to remain optimistic despite the rough start.
Fortuna Düsseldorf, now in its sixth year in the second division, is committed to improving its standing after failing to secure promotion back to the Bundesliga for five consecutive seasons. As part of their community outreach efforts, the club plans to offer free tickets for several home matches to foster fan engagement and support.