FC St. Pauli Faces Debate Over Stadium Anthem's Nazi-Era Origins

The club is reevaluating its use of 'Das Herz von St. Pauli' after research revealed the Nazi affiliations of its lyricist, Josef Ollig.

FC St. Pauli plans to announce its decision on the future of its stadium anthem, 'Das Herz von St. Pauli,' on Friday.
Research by the club's museum uncovered that Josef Ollig, the lyricist, was a Nazi propaganda writer and World War II combat pilot.
The anthem, performed in a rock version by 'Phantastix & Elf,' has been a staple of home games at Millerntor-Stadion for years.
The club emphasizes a 'differentiated discussion' among fans, who value the song but are engaging responsibly with its history.
This is not the first time St. Pauli has addressed its past; the stadium was renamed in 1998 after its original namesake was found to have been a Nazi Party member.