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Baden-Württemberg Saves a Million Euros Due to Reduced Police Deployment for High-Risk Football Matches
In a significant development, the state of Baden-Württemberg has saved one million euros this season, as a result of reduced police deployment hours for high-risk football matches. This reduction in expenditure comes as the number of criminal complaints in the game operations of the top five football leagues in the southwest has decreased by around 33% in the 2024/2025 season.
The state's strategy for ensuring security at these matches involves relying on stadium alliances and fewer police deployment hours. Alexander Wehrle, the managing director of VfB Stuttgart, has emphasised that clubs invest significantly in security measures.
However, the specific policies for football clubs in Baden-Württemberg regarding the coverage of police costs for high-risk matches remain unclear. In many German states, clubs often contribute to the costs arising from necessary police deployments to ensure public safety. This is part of a broader responsibility framework in event management, where clubs sometimes share or fully bear costs depending on risk assessments, crowd size, and past incidents.
For the most accurate and up-to-date details on Baden-Württemberg, it is recommended to consult official statements from Baden-Württemberg’s Ministry of the Interior or the regional football association (e.g., Württemberg Football Association). These bodies typically outline protocols and financial responsibilities related to police services at football events.
Meanwhile, in another development, the state of Bremen has decided not to charge professional football clubs for police costs incurred during high-risk matches. This decision follows a ruling by the BVG, which was based on a lawsuit by the German Football League against the state of Bremen. Bremen had already decided in 2014 to pass on police costs for high-risk games to professional clubs.
Thomas Strobl, the Interior Minister of Baden-Württemberg, confirmed this decision to the German Press Agency. It remains to be seen whether Baden-Württemberg will follow suit and also waive police costs for professional clubs in high-risk matches.
In addition to the financial savings, there has also been a decrease in the number of injured persons, with a 13% reduction, from 145 to 132, in the same period. This is a positive sign that the measures being implemented are effective in maintaining public safety and reducing violence at football matches.
Municipalities in Baden-Württemberg might reconsider their financial contribution towards police costs for high-risk football matches, as the state has already saved a million euros this season due to reduced deployments. The strategic shift towards relying on stadium alliances and fewer police deployment hours has also led to a decrease in the number of criminal complaints during football matches.