Bundesliga Clubs to Pay for Police at High-Risk Matches

The Bundesliga is facing a significant financial shift after a ruling by the German Federal Constitutional Court. The decision mandates clubs to bear the cost of additional police services required for high-risk matches, a move that could reshape the league’s financial landscape.

This development originates from efforts by Ulrich Mäurer, Bremen's Interior Minister, who initiated billing the German Football Association (DFB) for police services during high-risk games featuring Werder Bremen. Since 2015, nine such notices have been issued, totaling nearly three million euros. The DFB passed these expenses on to the club, and Mäurer anticipates similar practices may spread across other German states.

The ruling has sparked discussions among clubs and policymakers about managing these expenses. The Bundesliga and DFB are collaborating on strategies to enhance stadium safety, including establishing a central commission for stadium bans, improving entry controls to prevent pyrotechnics and weapons, and enhancing security personnel training.

Interior Minister Daniela Behrens of Lower Saxony has called on clubs to take more responsibility for stadium security. She stated, "The clubs must actively address violence in stadiums to reduce the need for extensive police presence." Behrens hinted at possible legal measures requiring clubs to reimburse police costs if adequate actions are not taken.

Currently, opinions among German states vary. While some, including Lower Saxony and Rhineland-Palatinate, support billing clubs, others like North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria oppose the idea. Meanwhile, seven states advocate for a unified national policy to resolve the issue.

According to the 2023-2024 Sports Operations Information Center report, over two million police hours were dedicated to professional football matches in Germany, involving the Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, and 3. Liga. High-risk games often require 1,000 to 1,500 officers, significantly increasing costs. Estimates suggest these additional expenses could reach 20 to 30 million euros per season, alongside the 120 million euros taxpayers already fund for police deployment at matches.

Proposals for managing these costs include utilizing television revenue or creating a solidarity fund within the league. However, this has met resistance, particularly from Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, who argues it would unfairly penalize clubs in states that do not impose police fees.

Fans may also feel the impact, as ticket prices could rise to help clubs absorb the financial burden. Policymakers and some police authorities have suggested this as a potential solution to offset the costs.

As the Bundesliga navigates this financial challenge, its resolution could set a precedent for other European leagues, highlighting the balance between public safety and the financial responsibilities of professional sports organizations.