German Football Federation Looks To Establish Rescue Fund For Relegated 2nd Bundesliga Clubs

The German Football Federation (DFB) "is considering to establish some sort of rescue fund to offset the financial losses for teams that are relegated from the 2nd Bundesliga," according to FOCUS. DFB Dir Ulf Schott, who is in charge of the 3rd League, said, "Those clubs have often established a high amount of fix costs that are difficult to reduce in case the club is relegated." The creation of a "protective mechanism" could cushion the financial gap between the 2nd Bundesliga and 3rd League. Since the establishment of the 3rd League in '08, Alemannia Aachen has become the fifth team, after the Stuttgarter Kickers, RW Ahlen, TuS Koblenz and Kickers Emden, that has to leave the league due to economical reasons.

SPONSOR NEEDED: In addition, the DFB revealed that "it is looking for a general sponsor for the 3rd League." Schott wrote "an exclusive title sponsor" that would "justify the anticipated compensating measures" is not in sight (FOCUS, 11/25).