Jürgen Klopp confirms Felix Nmecha has agreed to stop controversial goal celebration

Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp has confirmed that Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha will no longer perform his controversial crown-themed goal celebration following discussions with representatives of both his club and the national team. The 26-year-old found himself at the centre of renewed criticism after scoring both goals in Dortmund's 2-1 Bundesliga victory over SV Elversberg on Saturday.

Nmecha celebrated by symbolically removing a crown from his head and placing it on the ground. The gesture has been associated with The King's Return, a religious campaign connected to the evangelical football network Ballers in God.

The organisation has attracted criticism over statements concerning homosexuality and other social issues, with Dortmund's Fan- und Förderabteilung questioning the compatibility of the network's positions with the club's values. Nmecha subsequently addressed the criticism on Instagram, describing the reaction asa misunderstanding and insisting that his celebration was intended as a personal expression of Christian faith rather than an endorsement of discrimination.

The controversy prompted discussions involving Dortmund president Hans-Joachim Watzke and Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp. Hans-Joachim Watzke appeals to Felix Nmecha over divisive celebration Speaking on the AUSGERECHNET podcast, Watzke revealed that he hadpersonally discussed the matter with Nmecha following Dortmund's victory over Elversberg.

The 67-year-old emphasised that he did not wish to prohibit expressions of religious faith or impose disciplinary measures. Instead, he appealed to the midfielder to consider how his celebration was being received by supporters.

"You are a Borussia Dortmund player. You want to win something with us, and you want us to win matches," Watzke explained.

"If you realise that it divides the fans, perhaps you will recognise that you should simply stop doing it because it causes division, rather than saying that the celebration itself is wrong." Watzke indicated that Nmecha was still considering the matter when their conversation concluded. "That is the stage of the discussion we are currently at.

He wants to think about it," Watzke continued. "I hope we can find a sensible solution.

Nobody wants to ban anything, and nobody wants to punish anyone."