Footy-League Legend Funkel Speaks Out on Uerdingen's Exit: "It Hits Hard"
Uerdingen Departure Triggers Deep Sorrow: Acknowledged With Sadness - Emotional Reactions on Uerdingen-Aus Journey: "It Stings Me Deeply"
Former Bundesliga coach Friedhelm Funkel shared his feelings about the departure of his ex-football club, KFC Uerdingen, from the fourth-tier Regionalliga West due to financial problems. "It's a damn shame, it really hurts me deep down," the 71-year-old told the "Cologne Round Table". The KFC called it quits on Monday.
Funkel played for Uerdingen himself, winning the DFB-Pokal with the team in 1985. Later, he took charge at the Grotenburg stadium. He wasn't caught off-guard by the club's fifth bankruptcy, saying, "Given the club's shape for over a decade now—with new presidents, arguments, turmoil, and issues galore—I wasn't exactly surprised." Funkel recalled a series of investors, first from Russia and then from Luxembourg, but added, "That's not about continuity."
Fighting Against the Odds
Following the withdrawal, the board announced they'd take "proper legal action". However, the chances of reversing the decision are limited. The insolvency administrator declared that KFC Uerdingen should be maintained despite the predicament. The goal is to cut debts and develop a sustainable plan for a comeback in the Oberliga next season.
However, if a club quits the league before April 30, all Regionalliga West matches will be voided. This rule applies in the case of Türkspor Dortmund, who pulled out weeks ago. For the KFC, their last match was a 0:2 loss against Fortuna Duesseldorf's U23 on Saturday.
- Friedhelm Funkel
- Legendary Funky
- Uerdingen
- Football-Regionalliga
- Regionalliga West
- KFC
- KFC 05
- Krefeld
- DFB-Pokal
Behind the Scenes:
Despite the financial difficulties, the withdrawal of KFC Uerdingen from the Regionalliga West means the immediate cancellation of all their games in the league. This does not bode well for the future of the club in organized football, given the significant setbacks they face. Meanwhile, the withdrawal has benefited MSV Duisburg, who have secured promotion to the 3. Liga for the next season due to KFC's forfeitures. The financial crisis at KFC Uerdingen even led to the termination of all player contracts, leaving them seek employment benefits. Regaining financial stability or rebuilding under new ownership may be key for the club's eventual return to competitive football.
- Despite the grief and shock, Friedhelm Funkel, the legendary coach of KFC Uerdingen, expressed his feelings on the club's departure from the Regionalliga West due to financial issues.
- The withdrawal of KFC from the Football-Regionalliga has affected the club's future in organized football, as all their matches in the Regionalliga West have been voided, causing significant setbacks.
- KFC, known as KFC 05 and established in Krefeld, faced a financial crisis that led to the termination of all player contracts, leaving them seeking employment benefits.
- The immediate goal for KFC is to cut debts and develop a sustainable plan for a comeback in the Oberliga next season, one that could involve regaining financial stability or rebuilding under new ownership.
