MSV Duisburg: The direct way back to the 3rd league succeeds!

MSV Duisburg: The direct way back to the 3rd league succeeds!

On April 28, 2025, the MSV Duisburg successfully mastered the promotion to the 3rd league after a turbulent year. This was made easier by the withdrawal of the KFC Uerdingen, the points of which were canceled, which led to Duisburg to the unobstructible championship. President Christian Stiefelhagen expressed ambivalent about this situation and the associated challenges. Trainer Dietmar Hirsch, who had already signed for the 3rd division last summer, remains in office as the central component of the team. In his seven years as a player at MSV, he sees the climb as the highlight of his coaching career.

Currently the MSV Duisburg has a stable squad, of which 16 players, including Patrick Sussek and Jan-Simon Symalla, are still under contract. While the team should only be strengthened, the contracts of ten other players expire until June 30, which could lead to automatic extension due to the rise. This continuity is of great importance for the stability of the team.

financial challenges and municipal support

However, the association also faces financial difficulties that have been tightened by the descent. In October, the MSV threatened bankruptcy, which prompted the city of Duisburg to acquire the association site for around 2.5 million euros. This step was crucial for the rescue of the association in a crisis situation. Despite these turbulence, the MSV is optimistic about the third division approval, which must be met by the beginning of June.

The goals of the association are clear: in the coming season, the relegation is top priority, while the 3rd league should serve back into the 2nd league as a jumping board. Preetz emphasizes that the economic survival of the MSV Duisburg is only guaranteed in the 2nd league. The association's ambitious plans are therefore in the context of the currently tense financial situation.

perspectives in the 3rd league

In the 3rd division, a positive development may be in sight. According to the younger reports from Liga3-online.de, this league could be more financially stable in the coming season than ever before. The average of the income per club is 16.2 million euros, which corresponds to an increase of over 20 % compared to last season. This could help the MSV Duisburg to establish itself in the league and create important financial foundations.

The number of spectators in the stadiums were also promising. With a current viewer average of 11,700 fans, the MSV Duisburg could benefit from the increased viewer interest. This is particularly important for sponsorship and the economic health of the association.

The challenges are great, but the return of the MSV Duisburg to the 3rd division could be the starting signal for a new era. The upcoming games, especially Borussia Mönchengladbach II, will be crucial for the further steps of the association.

DFB and the league have already raised the alarm because the situation of the 1. FC Düren and the associated withdrawal could also have an impact on the 3rd division. The MSV Duisburg has to prove itself in this environment and regain its fans with positive results.