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DFB Confirms New Wave of Six-Figure Fines for Stadium Pyrotechnics as Clubs Intensify Pushback

Clubs say escalating penalties show little deterrent effect, with most proceeds flowing to DFB-linked foundations rather than prevention.

Overview

  • Werder Bremen was fined €260,000 for extensive pyrotechnic use by traveling fans in December's match at Hamburg, including at least 237 flares and 16 rockets cited in the ruling.
  • Hannover 96 received €204,430 for incidents across three fixtures, while Dynamo Dresden accepted four verdicts totaling €113,600, making those sanctions legally binding.
  • Further penalties include €75,000 against FC Augsburg across four matches and €73,625 for 1. FC Kaiserslautern after at least 120 flares in the home win over Schalke.
  • Under current practice clubs may reinvest roughly one third of each fine in security or prevention, with the remainder directed to DFB-affiliated foundations, a distribution many executives now publicly contest.
  • Official monitoring recorded 4,783 pyrotechnic violations in the top three leagues in 2024/25—a 73% year-on-year rise with 95 injuries—as DFB/DFL working groups weigh reforms such as higher reinvestment shares and penalties differentiated by hazard level.