Found several of these clusters in Singapore, growing on a patch of grass between some trees.
They're huge, the caps are easily as big as my outstretched hand.
In the new documentary series "The Belonging," Manuel Akanji levels accusations against a former sponsor. He claims the sponsor did not renew a partnership because he didn't appear "Swiss enough." Research by SRF reveals that the sponsor in question is Volkswagen Switzerland.
The series deals with questions of identity, belonging, and exclusion. Racism is also a central theme. National team player Breel Embolo describes how quickly public perception can change: "When we win, we're the kings. And when we lose, you just get a brutal amount of racist messages."
A statement by Manuel Akanji is particularly noteworthy. The Inter Milan defender speaks of a sponsorship partnership that was not renewed after two years. "They said that I didn't seem Swiss enough and that I didn't resonate sufficiently with their target audience as a Swiss player."
As SRF research shows, the sponsor is Volkswagen Switzerland, a long-time sponsor of the Swiss Football Association. VW also had a private sponsorship agreement with Akanji as a brand ambassador in 2019 and 2020.
The Amag Group, the exclusive Swiss importer of VW, distances itself from any form of discrimination. Diversity and inclusion are central components of the company culture. Misunderstandings arose during the communication regarding the non-renewal of contracts. This was due to the general reduction in the number of brand ambassadors. In a statement to SRF, the company writes:
"There was never any direct exchange with Manuel Akanji in 2020, only with his management. We have no knowledge of the communication between management and Manuel Akanji and cannot rule out the possibility of a misunderstanding."
Akanji's manager, Vanessa Luperti, confirmed to SRF that the discussions at the time were conducted through her. However, she maintains: "The statement in 'The Belonging,' picked up by 10vor10, is, in my opinion, accurately portrayed." Furthermore, Volkswagen Switzerland was given the opportunity to comment in the documentary, but declined.
For sociologist and anti-racism expert Anja Nunyola Glover, such a statement would be problematic if it were actually made: "It is clearly racism to use Black people as a reason for not being Swiss enough."
Hans-Willy Brockes, president of the ESB Marketing Network, points to the role of market research. Ultimately, it is the population that decides what is perceived as "Swiss." "Market research only ever reflects what a population thinks and what questions are being asked," says Brockes.
Glover disagrees. He argues that anyone who incorporates existing prejudices into marketing or sponsorship decisions contributes to reinforcing them. "It's not just about what you do to please the public, but also about the power you wield and the images you influence," says Glover.
The Swiss Football Association emphasizes that the crucial factor was that the matter between Akanji and his then-sponsor could be resolved bilaterally.
Volkswagen will remain a partner of the Swiss Football Association. A clarifying discussion took place between Akanji and Volkswagen in 2025. All parties agree that the matter is now closed.