VfL Bochum To Discontinue Women's Team Due To Financial Reasons

German football club VfL Bochum "will withdraw its women's team from the 2nd Bundesliga due to financial reasons at the end of the season," according to the DPA. The club had to support the women's team with around €100,000 annually. Bochum announced the decision months ago, but public outcry "delayed the official decision." The club said that its "extensive search for a sponsor was unsuccessful." Bochum CFO Wilken Engelbracht: "There have been companies that were potentially interested in a sponsorship. However, only in a limited scope that would have required additional support from the club." In addition, the club "will discontinue its U23 men's team this summer." It "wants to focus on its youth teams and continue to reduce its debt" (DPA, 4/14).