Controversy over Number 88 in German Football

The Berlin Football Association faced backlash after rejecting a proposal to ban the use of number 88 on player jerseys, due to its association with the Nazi salute “Heil Hitler.” The vote ended with 52 against and 48 in favor, marking the second failed attempt, according to regional president Bernd Schultz. Far-right groups often use the number 88 as a coded symbol, referencing the eighth letter “H” to signify “Heil Hitler.” Similarly, the number 18 is used to represent the initials of Adolf Hitler. Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, notes that certain letters or emojis may indicate far-right affiliation, though they are not yet grounds for criminal liability. Meanwhile, BFC Germania 1888 insists on keeping the founding year in its emblem, with opponents of the ban arguing that the number reflects historical heritage as Germany’s oldest continuously operating club.

Sources - Agencies