SHFV cup game canceled: security risk between Kilia and Lübeck!

SHFV cup game canceled: security risk between Kilia and Lübeck!

The SHFV cup game between FC Kilia Kiel and VfB Lübeck was canceled today for security reasons. This decision was made due to concerns that both clubs' fan camps could come into conflict, fueled by the ongoing rivalries between the teams. The original date was scheduled for the weekend of July 12th and 13th. Representatives of the Schleswig-Holstein Football Association (SHFV) are in close contact with the affected clubs and the responsible security authorities in order to find a new match date. At a press conference, Kilia head coach Nicola Soranno explained that a final decision could only be made after the 2nd Bundesliga schedule was announced, as additional factors had to be taken into account.

A game closed to the public was ruled out by those responsible. Such a measure would only shift the problems affecting the security concept within the city of Kiel without offering an actual solution. Kilia also rejected the possibility of swapping home games, which was used by TuS Rotenhof last year, as the stadium is considered suitable for regional league games. This situation raises questions that go beyond the current game.

Discussion about police costs

The game's cancellation coincided with an ongoing discussion about the financial burdens associated with high-risk gaming. A current report from ZDF highlights the downside of such events: The costs of police operations at games that are classified as high risk can amount to up to 400,000 euros. Countries like Bremen have been demanding for years that the German Football League (DFL) contribute to these additional costs.

The upcoming legal dispute will be exciting because the Federal Constitutional Court will decide on January 14, 2025 that the DFL must pay for such additional costs. This decision could have far-reaching effects on the finances of the league and the clubs. The background to the discussion goes back to 2014, when Bremen introduced a regulation that allows fees for additional police operations at major events. For example, after a heated duel between Werder Bremen and Hamburger SV, an invoice for 425,000 euros was issued.

Opinions and perspectives

The debate about safety in football brings different perspectives to light. Jost Peter, chairman of “Our Curve,” criticizes the fact that clubs and fan representatives are not sufficiently involved in decisions. He points out that football stadiums are generally relatively safe places, while Jochen Kopelke from the police union questions whether the current measures taken by clubs and the league are enough to prevent violence and escalations. While Peter emphasizes the independence of the police, Kopelke sees the increase in criminal proceedings and violence as a growing problem.

This discussion has the potential to fundamentally influence fan culture. If greater surveillance measures and restrictions for active fans were to be expected in the future, this could significantly change the atmosphere in the stadiums. A further look at the current situation shows that football in Germany pays high taxes to finance the police - 1.6 billion euros last year. A fact that supports the arguments of both sides.

The cancellation of the game between FC Kilia Kiel and VfB Lübeck and the associated security issues are an example of the complex challenges that exist in German professional football. It remains to be seen how the discussion about police costs will develop and what influence this will have on future encounters.