"We emphatically reject the DFB being linked to racism," the DFB said in a statement.
Germany's football association (DFB) is eager to extend the contract of national team coach Joachim Loew past the 2018 World Cup, DFB president Reinhard Grindel said on Monday. Loew, who has been in charge since 2006, coached Germany to the 2014 World Cup title and to a total of five straight semi-final appearances at World Cups and Euros, with his current deal running to 2018 and the World Cup in Russia. The 56-year-old, in charge for 138 matches so far, saw his team fail to win Euro 2016 after losing in the semi-final stage to hosts France in July but after hesitating a few days eventually said he would stay on as Germany coach to 2018.
Extends contract up to 2020
Ozil, who plays for English Premier League club Arsenal, was criticised for having his photograph taken with Turkey's authoritarian President Tayyip Erdogan in May.
Germany coach Joachim Loew will stay in his post despite his team's group stage elimination at the World Cup in Russia.
A Germany footballer who was playing in Paris in November when suicide bombers launched an attack outside the stadium has barred his family from Euro 2016 matches due to security concerns. "My family and my children will not come to the stadium. The risk is too big," Jerome Boateng, who will play for his national side at the European Championship that starts in France on Friday, told Sport Bild magazine. "It is sad having to deal with such issues but many things have happened that make you think about it," the central defender said.
The 29-year-old Ozil announced his international retirement in July after Germany crashed out of the World Cup group stage in Russia. He said he had faced "racism and disrespect" because of his Turkish roots.
The player, who came under fire for having his photograph taken with Turkey's authoritarian President Tayyip Erdogan in May, was especially piqued by criticism from German Football Association (DFB) head Reinhard Grindel, who he said blamed him for Germany crashing out of this year's tournament.
Ozil's agent shuns Bayern president's critical remarks
Most Turks well integrated in Germany, government says after Ozil's racism comments
German soccer star Mesut Ozil said on Sunday he would no longer play for the national team because he faced 'racism and disrespect' because of his Turkish roots.
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