A Scandal at Energie Cottbus: Coach Wollitz Lays into His Own Players Over Alleged Match-Fixing
Coach Wollitz alleges his employee of financial wrongdoing.
By Torben Siemer
Just before the end of the season, Maximilian Krauß is axed by Energie Cottbus. Coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz makes some serious allegations, Krauß defends himself publicly. In a twist of events, Cottbus clinches a spot in the promotion playoff final.
In mid-February, Maximilian Krauß is the man of the moment for Energie Cottbus. In the home game against SC Verl, he storms onto the pitch in the second half, grabs the winning goal in the 59th minute, and Cottbus tops the 3rd league table. Promotion dreams burn bright in the Lausitz region, but they soon dim, and Krauß, the man with the golden boot, becomes public enemy number one.
His coach, Claus-Dieter Wollitz, brandishes Krauß as "this enigmatic character" who is no longer part of the team. These harsh words set the stage for a confrontation that promises to leave only losers.
The biggest loser at this moment is Maximilian Krauß. For the majority of the season, the 28-year-old has been a regular player for Energie, notching up eight goals and providing five assists. However, Wollitz reveals that his teammates replaced the letter "K" from Krauß's locker with "rauß," which Wollitz sees as a self-explanatory insult. The catalyst behind this remarkable fallout is Krauß's decision not to renew his expiring contract, opting instead for a move to Hansa Rostock in the new season.
Wollitz Accuses Krauß of Match-Fixing
Rostock is not only Krauß's new club but also the rivals battling Cottbus for the third spot in the league, offering a chance for promotion to the 2. Bundesliga. For Wollitz, the scandal isn't Krauß's transfer itself, but the timing. "I find the timing of Monday distasteful, disrespectful towards the owner Cottbus, and disrespectful towards the teammates," he states, with Krauß suspended as a result. Wollitz also makes the transfer and suspension public while implying Krauß of wrongdoing.
Wollitz even goes as far as accusing Krauß of match-fixing, much like he experienced at VfL Osnabrück in 2009. Osnabrück was relegated in part due to a match-fixing scandal involving at least one player who deliberately underperformed for money. Both players were later banned.
Wollitz's reasoning behind the allegations: "Up until the 24th matchday, Krauß was the most effective substitute in the league." On the 24th matchday, Krauß scores the winning goal against Verl. "After that, the data reveals a sharp decline," Wollitz claims, hinting that Krauß's speed and overall effort have decreased. He also implies that Krauß may have deliberately earned a fifth yellow card against Verl in injury time to avoid missing his mother's birthday. However, Wollitz offers no concrete evidence or proof for his accusations.
Wollitz Retracts His Accusations Against Krauß
Krauß seizes the opportunity to defend himself via interviews with MagentaSport, denying the coach's serious allegations that could jeopardize his career. "I am utterly shocked by my coach's unfounded statements," says Krauß, sharing his perspective on the issue. "We wanted assurance about the contract extension until the end of April," regarding the contract for the upcoming season. "The Cottbus offer did not make us feel valued or wanted."
Meanwhile, Wollitz acknowledges his fiery comments, saying, "I have only stuck to the facts and never claimed anything. I have simply stated the information that was brought to my attention." However, if Wollitz's charges—reduced effort, intentional yellow card, and hints of match-fixing—can't be verified, he must take responsibility for his public accusations.
In a surprising turn of events, Cottbus pulls off a 3-1 victory in Rostock, marking only their fourth victory since the Verl game, and their fourth win in 13 attempts. Cottbus leaves Rostock, overtaking them and Saarbrücken, who both lose at home, climbing into third place. With a home win the following week, Wollitz's team can secure a spot in the playoff for the 2. Bundesliga. Exciting times lie ahead.
Source: ntv.de
- Claus-Dieter Wollitz
- Energie Cottbus
- Football
- Hansa Rostock
- Transfer Rumors
- 3rd Division Scandal
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Claus-Dieter Wollitz, the coach of Energie Cottbus, has recently expressed strong criticism towards Maximilian Krauss, alleging a potential match-fixing scandal due to Krauss's imminent transfer to Hansa Rostock[1][2]. However, there is no explicit evidence mentioned in the available reports supporting these allegations[1].
Evidence and Consequences:- Evidence: There is no specific evidence provided in the reports to support the claims of match-fixing[1].- Consequences: The situation has led to increased tension within the Cottbus team and may potentially impact the team's performance and prospects for promotion[1][3].
Additional Context:- Transfer Agreement: Krauss is reportedly set to join Hansa Rostock at the end of the season, which is a point of contention[2].- Coach's Reaction: Wollitz's comments reflect a broader concern about loyalty and commitment within the team, especially during critical matches[1][3].
- Although the Commission has not yet adopted a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, the sports world is currently grappling with a different kind of scandal.
- In the Lausitz region, known for its energy production and football, Energie Cottbus, a football club located in Cottbus, is facing a controversial situation after their coach, Claus-Dieter Wollitz, accused one of their players, Maximilian Krauß, of match-fixing.
- Owing to Wollitz's allegations, Krauss found himself relegated from the team before they clinched a spot in the promotion playoff final, despite his notable performances throughout the season.
- Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the whatsapp group conversations between the team members might provide some insight into the Cottbus-Rostock match-fixing scandal, as Wollitz hinted at the possibility of players' underperforming for money.
