Bundesliga Matches Cancelled Amid Storm 'Elli' Disruptions

Two Bundesliga matches scheduled for January 10, 2026, have been cancelled due to severe winter weather conditions caused by storm 'Elli,' which brought heavy snowfall, strong winds, and icy conditions to northern Germany. The affected games are FC St. Pauli versus RB Leipzig at Millerntor Stadium in Hamburg and Werder Bremen against Hoffenheim at the Weserstadion in Bremen.

Safety was the overriding concern for these decisions. At Millerntor Stadium, heavy snow accumulation and hazardous ice on stadium roofs and access routes rendered the venue unsafe for spectators, players, and officials. Despite initial assessments indicating the pitch might be playable, the risk to fans and teams led to the confirmation of cancellation. More than 2,000 RB Leipzig fans had planned to attend, and they have been informed that their tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled game, with refunds available five days prior if unable to attend.

Werder Bremen's match was also cancelled due to dangerous icy conditions and significant snow drifts, which made safe travel and stadium access impossible. Train services in northern Germany have been largely suspended amidst the storm, further complicating spectator travel. Werder Bremen's media chief Christoph Pieper noted that although the club had prepared to clear snow, the severity of the storm forced them to prioritize safety. FC St. Pauli president Oke Göttlich highlighted that local authorities explicitly recommended cancellation due to risks to emergency services and transportation.

These cancellations mark the first Bundesliga match postponements in nearly two years, with the last occurring due to ice during Mainz versus Union Berlin. The Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) will announce new dates for both postponed matches shortly. None of the four involved clubs are currently participating in international competitions, easing rescheduling logistics. However, FC St. Pauli and RB Leipzig are preparing for DFB-Pokal quarter-finals in early February.

The weather disruption caused by storm 'Elli' underscores ongoing challenges faced by sports events during severe winter weather in Germany, compelling organizers to prioritize spectator and team safety.