German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck is open for talks with German Football Federation (DFB) president Bernd Neuendorf after voicing criticism on the DFB's decision to switch from Adidas to Nike as national teams kit supplier from 2027 onwards.
"First of all, congratulations on the national team's victory yesterday. Joy, commitment and passion - I'm looking forward to the European Championships," Habeck told dpa on Sunday in reference to a 2-0 victory over France in an international friendly.
"And of course, I'm always happy to talk - perhaps about sport, tradition and capital and also about promoting youth sport."
Neuendorf had offered Habeck talks to explain the background of the surprise switch from the long partnership with Germany-based Adidas to United States brand Nike which caused a stir.
The DFB made the announcement on Thursday and Habeck, who is Economics Minister in the government of Olaf Scholz, was among several critics from the political spectrum on the DFB.
Habeck named the 70-year cooperation "a piece of German identity" and added: "I would have liked a bit more local patriotism."
Neuendorf said on Saturday the statements made him "a little stunned" and like other DFB officials said that Nike's offer had been "far above" that from Adidas.
German business newspaper Handelsblatt, citing industry sources, said Nike will pay the cash-strapped DFB more than €100 million ($108 million) per year between 2027 and 2034, double the €50 million a year the Adidas deal is reportedly worth.
The DFB has said the decision was not easy but that it also funds its regional associations as well as amateur and women's football. The deal will improve its difficult financial situation, too.