Frustration at St. Pauli: Coach Blessin criticizes ball boy behavior!

Frustration at St. Pauli: Coach Blessin criticizes ball boy behavior!

On December 7, 2025, there is frustration at FC St. Pauli after the team only managed a 1-1 draw against 1. FC Köln. Coach Alexander Blessin expresses clear criticism of the ball boys' behavior during the game. Especially in the second half, he complains, the balls were not placed correctly on the field, which significantly disrupted the game. Blessin is calling for a fair solution based on the practices in England, where the balls are always left on the field. This would speed up the continuation of the game and increase fairness, he explains in detail in an interview with Picture.

In this context, the DFL (German Football League) has recommended new rules for the ball boys in order to promote fairness in the game. These regulations are based on a new multiball concept that is intended to speed up the resumption of play. In the future, the ball boys should place the balls on special marker tiles instead of throwing them to the players. The aim of this measure is to reduce time play and enable faster play. Although the implementation of these rules is voluntary, the FIFA instruction remains that at least eight ball boys must be placed on the sidelines RND reported.

Reactions from the Bundesliga

Cologne coach Lukas Kwasniok showed understanding for Blessin's accusations and acknowledged that the problems are particularly noticeable when you are behind. He agreed that a uniform regulation from the DFL would be helpful to avoid such conflicts in the future. The dialogue about the role of the ball boys is further stimulated by Blessin's criticism and Kwasniok's approval.

The changes are not only noticeable in the Bundesliga. Ball boys have also repeatedly played an important role at international level. A notable incident occurred when ball boy Noel Urbaniak took a quick throw-in that resulted in a goal by the German national team against Italy. Such scenarios show how important it is that ball boys can act quickly and correctly, without themselves intervening in what is happening n-tv informed.

The way into the future

With the discussion about the new role of ball boys, it is clear that something has to change in German football. The DFL plans to no longer see the ball boys as simple unskilled workers, but rather as an integral part of the process. The focus should be on specifying their tasks, whereby they should, above all, quickly return the balls to the marked places and no longer hold them back. This ensures that the game runs fairly.

The future of ball boys in football could not only become an integral part of the game, but also make a fundamental contribution to sports fairness. It remains to be seen whether Blessin's wishes will come true. The pressure on the DFL to introduce clear and enforceable rules is growing.