FC Bayern Munich prepares for a unique Supercup event, featuring a distinctive trophy and a custom ball, amidst fan boycotts.
The much-anticipated Franz-Beckenbauer Supercup match between VfB Stuttgart and FC Bayern Munich is set to take place this Saturday evening, marking the first real highlight of the new season for both teams.
The trophy for this historic encounter has been redesigned, standing tall at 53 centimeters and weighing a substantial 5.5 kilograms. Crafted by the renowned silversmiths Koch & Bergfeld from Bremen, the trophy boasts a sterling silver finish on one side, symbolizing the premium craftsmanship and paying tribute to Franz Beckenbauer.
The new trophy also features the "Franz-Beckenbauer logo," further emphasizing its connection to the legendary footballer. However, no additional design details, such as shape, motifs, or inscriptions, are specified in the search results.
In addition to the redesigned trophy, a limited-edition Supercup ball by Derbystar will be used in the match, produced exclusively for this duel. A small Franz Beckenbauer symbol stands out on the special match ball, adding a touch of nostalgia to the game.
The match will be played under the new name, the Franz-Beckenbauer Supercup, and unlike the DFB-Pokal final, there will be no extra time. If the game ends in a tie after 90 minutes, it will go straight to a penalty shootout.
The insurance value of the trophy is around 30,000 euros, reflecting its significant worth. The winner of the Supercup will receive a prize of three million euros this season, while the loser will still get two million.
Notably, DFB sports director Rudi Völler and Heidi Beckenbauer, the widow of Franz Beckenbauer, have also announced their attendance. However, the optics of the special match ball hark back to the past, being simply black and white, and the national team coach Julian Nagelsmann is expected to be in attendance as well.
However, the Supercup match may not be without controversy. Fan protests are expected during the game, with organized fans of both clubs announcing a boycott due to a poor relationship between the fan scene and the DFL, as well as the criticized date of the match.
Stuttgart and Bayern will have to play their postponed DFB-Pokal games midweek at fan-unfriendly times due to the Supercup being held at the same time. Regardless, football enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting this exciting season opener.
The redesigned trophy, a symbol of premium craftsmanship and homage to Franz Beckenbauer, will be showcased during the highly-anticipated European-leagues game between VfB Stuttgart and FC Bayern Munich in the upcoming Premier-league match. Despite the controversy surrounding fan protests and scheduled games, football enthusiasts remain excited about this historical Supercup clash.