Heavy and tumultuous financial situation for FCS necessitates payment of over 62,000 euros - FCS Imposes a Financial Obligation Over 62,000 Euros
In a recent decision, the Sports Court of the German Football Association (DFB) has fined third-division side 1. FC Saarbrücken over 62,000 Euros for misconducts of its fans during a relegation playoff against Eintracht Braunschweig.
The incidents occurred during the home match on May 23 in Saarbrücken and the away match four days later in Braunschweig. Pyrotechnic devices were repeatedly set off by Saarbrücken fans, causing disruptions and endangering safety. As a result, there were delays in both matches, with the away match in Braunschweig experiencing a three-and-a-half-minute delay at the start, and another two-and-a-half-minute pause in the second half. Additionally, the home match in Saarbrücken saw two crowd surges, with approximately 80 and then another 30 Saarbrücken fans entering the stadium uncontrolled.
These incidents resulted in five injuries to staff of the security service during the home match in Saarbrücken.
The German Football Association did not specify any additional penalties for these incidents beyond the previously imposed fine. However, the club can use up to 20,700 Euros of the fine for its own safety or violence prevention measures. The club must prove to the DFB how these funds were used by March 31, 2026.
It is important to note that the use of pyrotechnics at football matches is strictly regulated, and such misconduct typically results in significant penalties. This is not an isolated incident, as clubs like SV Waldhof Mannheim have faced heavy fines, including nearly 160,000 euros, for fan misconduct involving fireworks.
The verdicts are final and binding, and the relegation playoff was won by Eintracht Braunschweig. The incidents did not affect the final and binding verdict made by the Sports Court of the German Football Association.
This decision serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safety and order at football matches, and the consequences for those who fail to do so. The DFB continues to hold clubs accountable for disruptive fan behavior, including the use of pyrotechnics, to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all spectators.
The German Football Association (DFB) emphasizes community policy that discourages the use of pyrotechnics at football matches, following the misconducts of 1. FC Saarbrücken's fans, which led to a fine of over 62,000 Euros. The club is encouraged to utilize a portion of the fine for vocational training programs aimed at improving stadium safety and violence prevention measures. This decision reinforces the necessity of maintaining order at football matches within European-leagues, as the DFB continues to enforce penalties for fan misconduct.
