
With the World Cup in South Africa over, a controversy still remains, and it involves veiled homophobia. Michael Becker, German football agent for the injured German star player Michael Ballack, in the magazine
Der Spiegel, was quoted as saying, "The new adroit, lighter and elegant style of play that has become a trademark of trainer Joachim Löw's players down to their homosexuality." He also claimed to know who’s gay or
half-gay on the German national team. Ballack’s current team
Bayern Leverkusen responded, "We have absolutely no resentment towards homosexuals." The German Football Federation and head coach Joachim Löw refused to comment.