Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann wants to be in Germany's blind football team for the 2016 Rio Paralympics
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jens Lehmann is being considered as a possible goalkeeper for Germany's blind football team at the next Paralympic Games in Rio De Janeiro.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper could compete in 2016, as visually impaired football teams are allowed to name fully-sighted keepers in their sides.
According to the German newspaper Bild, Lehmann, who will be 46 in 2016, is tempted by the chance to win the first major international title of his career.
"This is very interesting, as long as I am fit to go there," he said.
"In any case, it's okay to talk about it if you are interested."
Paralympic rules stipulate that "all four outfield players must wear blackout eyeshades to ensure fairness. The goalkeeper may be fully sighted but he is not allowed to leave his penalty area."
Bizarre as it may sound, the idea may actually go ahead, with Germany's Disabled Sports Association appearing to be interested in the proposition as well.
President Friedhelm Julius Beucher said: "A goalkeeper is not subject to the requirement that he must have some kind of disability.
"Thus, Jens Lehmann, Oliver Kahn or any other retired goalkeeper, in theory, is available. We will now discuss this privately."
Germany's coach Ulrich Pfisterer was similarly enthused by the idea.
"If Jens Lehmann joined, that would be sensational," he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments