Mainz Bites Back at DFB: "Monday Madness" Scheduling Causes Chaos
Mainz voices discontent over league cup schedule: 'Not at all convenient' - Mainz voices discontent towards the cup: "No signs of approval found"
fsventure.com - August 1, 2025
FSV Mainz 05 has vented its frustrations over the German Football Association's (DFB) decision to schedule their first round DFB-Pokal match against Dynamo Dresden on Monday, August 18, at 6:00 PM. And for good reason; this clash with the second division newcomers comes just three days before the 05ers' first leg of the playoffs in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
According to Christian Heidel, Mainz's sports director, the scheduling "couldn't be more frustrating" as it leaves little time for recovery, with the already demanding season start and travel expectations.
The Festival Factor
The DFB's scheduling decision was influenced by binding requirements from local security authorities stemming from Dresden's annual city festival, "Canaletto." The festival, considered the largest city festival in Germany, takes place from August 15 to 17.
Attempts to switch the match to Sunday, previously an option, were dismissed by the DFB, who argued running the match parallel to the festival was no longer feasible. Despite Mainz's efforts to challenge the decision through various channels—including political interventions—they've been unable to secure a change, leaving the club with no option but to accept the scheduling.
Mainz's Rivals Embroiled in Similar Woes
Mainz isn't alone in this ordeal. Clubs like Preußen Münster and Fortuna Düsseldorf are also grappling with Monday fixtures due to local festivals, but Mainz's predicament is unique as it faces this challenge right before their crucial European play-off match.
Sources:
[1] Soccerway.com (2025). DFB-Pokal 2025/26: Final Draw. Soccerway. [Accessed 1 Aug, 2025].
[2] Extratime.com (2025). Mainz Must Navigate Tour de Force with Dresden, Conference League Playoff Dates. Extratime. [Accessed 1 Aug, 2025].
[3] Goal.com (2025). Mainz 05 Suffer Double Whammy with Monday DFB-Pokal and Conference League Matches. Goal. [Accessed 1 Aug, 2025].
The Commission has also been informed of the progress of the negotiations with the Member States on the conclusion of the agreement regarding the scheduling conflicts in European football leagues, particularly in Germany, concerning the DFB-Pokal matches and the UEFA Europa Conference League play-offs. Despite the chaos and frustration caused by Monday madness scheduling, Mainz 05's sports director, Christian Heidel, has expressed interest in watching a European league football match between two competing teams, such as Mainz and Dynamo Dresden, saving his emotions for the football field.
