Clubs Challenge DFB's Pyrotechnics Fines Amid Rising Incidents

The German Football Association's (DFB) stringent fines on pyrotechnics at football matches are sparking growing criticism from clubs amidst escalating incidents. 1. FC Kaiserslautern recently faced a hefty fine of €73,625 for fans igniting at least 120 bengal fires during a home match against Schalke, adding to their season total of €129,345 in pyrotechnics penalties. This incident marks Kaiserslautern’s third sanction this season, highlighting persistent challenges with fan behavior.

However, Kaiserslautern is not alone. Hamburger SV leads with over €629,400 in fines this season for similar offenses. Simultaneously, Union Berlin faces a potential record fine up to €900,000 following a pyrotechnics episode in a match against Frankfurt.

Bundesliga clubs are voicing objections to these fines, arguing that heavy penalties fail to deter fans from lighting pyrotechnics and instead place a substantial financial burden on clubs. Statistics reveal a 73% spike in pyrotechnic violations in Germany’s top three leagues during the 2024/25 season, with 4,783 recorded offenses causing injuries to 95 people. Clubs urge the DFB to adopt a more nuanced penalty system that better accounts for the level of danger and allows clubs greater reinvestment of fines into safety initiatives.

In response, a DFB working group is considering reforms to the penalty structure. Presently, fines collected by the DFB support social programs, including inclusion initiatives and youth rehabilitation, but clubs emphasize the need for sustainable and effective measures to improve stadium safety and fan conduct.

The friction illustrates an ongoing struggle to balance punitive measures with financial realities and practical safety improvements in German football stadiums.