Fitschen passed away on Saturday after a long illness.
Doris Fitschen is considered one of Germany's best female football players. Between 1986 and 2001, she played in 144 national team matches. She has also won several international titles.
"On behalf of the entire association, I can say: our hearts are very heavy – we feel great sorrow. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones", says the German Football Association's general secretary Heike Ullrich.
Furthermore, Ullrich says that Fitschen "was a role model for many, not just on the pitch but also as a person".
Fitschen was the national team captain when Germany defeated Sweden in the European Championship final in 2001. The match ended 1-0.
