Athletes Germany, a representative group for German athletes, called Wednesday for an independent investigation into allegations made by speed skater Fridtjof Petzold against the German Speed Skating Federation (DESG).

The group also demanded that the DESG lift Petzold's current suspension in connection with his public criticisms of the organization.

Petzold made his allegations at the conclusion of the Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics, stating that the DESG has structural problems within the organization. The speed skater also expressed dissatisfaction with the level of support provided to athletes during the Games, saying it did not meet his expectations.

The specific details of Petzold's suspension and the nature of his allegations against the governing body have not been fully disclosed. The DESG has not yet publicly responded to either Petzold's original complaints or Athletes Germany's call for an independent investigation.

Athletes Germany serves as an advocacy organization representing the interests of German athletes across various sports, often intervening in disputes between individual competitors and their respective governing bodies.