Amidst disorder outside the stadium, speculations rise about Berlin potentially forfeiting the DFB Cup final after a span of four decades.
The Berlin Senate Administration for Interior and Sport has initiated an investigation into the chaotic entry controls and prolonged wait times experienced by fans at the DFB-Pokal final held at the Olympiastadion last weekend. Despite the ongoing inquiry, authorities have placed primary responsibility for the incidents on the German Football Association (DFB), as the organizer of the event.
"The DFB is accountable for the security concept as the event's organizer," the press office of the Senate Administration for Interior and Sport stated. "Grievances pertaining to deficiencies during this year's DFB-Pokal final are under review between the Olympiastadion Berlin GmbH and the DFB."
This year's final marked the 40th anniversary of the competition held at the Westend stadium, yet public complaints were never more prevalent. While the match attracted the usual crowd of 74,036 spectators, it remains unclear what differed from previous years. Questions surrounding the stadium's ability to cater to modern requirements or the need for a third entrance have been raised as potential factors.
Discussions regarding a third entrance dates back twenty years when Hertha BSC, the main user of the stadium, advocated for an additional entrance between the East and South Gates. However, the Senate supported an additional entrance on the west side instead, and neither proposal was implemented during the renovation for the 2006 World Cup. As a result, the existing East and South Gates remain today. For the final on Saturday, the East Gate was for the fans of VfB Stuttgart, while the South Gate was designated for Arminia Bielefeld supporters, who complained of chaotic conditions.
Thousands of Bielefeld fans had to endure hours of waiting, cramped together without an escape from the situation. Despite the tense circumstances, a mass panic was narrowly avoided. Urination in cups and children crying were reported among the crowd.
Poorly organized entry controls aside, Arminia Bielefeld's exceptional performance in the 2. Bundesliga, resulting in their fight against Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final, brought an unprecedented wave of support. This unexpected fan turnout may have strained planning assumptions based on previous finals, leading to congestion at access points and fan zones. Insufficient communication between stadium security, local authorities, and event organizers may also have played a role in the long lines and delays at the entry gates.
The Senate administration defends the state-owned stadium administration's extensive expertise in organizing major events, citing the UEFA European Football Championship last year as an example. In 2024, the stadium hosted seven games, including the final, and was awarded "Best Venue of the EM" by UEFA for its planning and execution. However, these awards do not address the specific issues encountered during the 2025 DFB-Pokal final.
The DFB has acknowledged the missteps and pledged an investigation into the matter. Fans of Arminia Bielefeld have expressed their outrage over the unpleasant experiences, with the club releasing a statement that described the issues as "incomprehensible and unacceptable."
"The German Football Association (DFB) might have used a kind of event management system that was inadequate for handling the unexpectedly high turnout of Arminia Bielefeld fans, leading to the chaotic entry controls."
"Following the final, Arminia Bielefeld fans were seen using various sports items, such as footballs, as makeshift seats during the prolonged wait times, demonstrating the fans' passion for the sport despite the poor organization."
