Barcelona Addresses Criticism Over Jerome Boateng’s Visit Amid Gender Violence Concerns

Jerome Boateng announced his retirement from professional football in September 2023, concluding his tenure with Austrian club LASK.

FC Barcelona has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to combating gender-based violence in light of criticism stemming from a visit by Boateng, a former defender for Bayern Munich and the German national team.

Last week, the club shared a video on X, titled ‘Welcome to the Ciutat Esportiva, Jerome Boateng,’ showcasing him in conversation with former teammate Robert Lewandowski during training sessions.

Boateng was previously handed a suspended fine of 200,000 euros (£176,000) and received a warning from a Munich court after being found guilty of causing premeditated bodily harm to his former partner.

The 37-year-old has consistently denied allegations of injuring the mother of his twin daughters during a 2018 holiday dispute and appealed against an initial guilty verdict issued in 2021. The trial last year in Munich marked the third legal proceeding related to Boateng’s case.

Barcelona shared the video of Boateng just two days prior to their first match at the newly renovated Nou Camp stadium in over two years. Ahead of the game, the club announced a minute’s silence would be observed in memory of women who have lost their lives due to male violence, in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The video and the club’s announcement drew significant criticism online, with fans labeling it as “embarrassing” and “ironic.”

In response, Barcelona clarified in a statement that, “Jerome Boateng has no contractual relationship or active role within the club. His presence was solely a one-off, educational visit as part of his personal process toward obtaining a coaching license. It was not an institutional invitation for any sporting or representative duties.”

The club emphasized its ongoing dedication to addressing gender-based violence, acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue and expressing regret for any misinterpretation of their actions.

The statement highlighted, “Our tributes and moments of remembrance for women killed by male violence are an essential and non-negotiable value for us, and nothing that took place was intended to undermine that message.”

Additionally, last month, Boateng had to cancel a planned coaching internship at Bayern Munich due to protests and backlash from fans. Since retiring, he has expressed his intention to pursue a coaching career, with plans to obtain his UEFA B coaching license by November 2024.

It is also worth noting that another former partner of Boateng tragically took her own life in 2021, following reports that the two had recently concluded their relationship.