Penal catalog for pyrotechnics: DFB grants the money tap!

Penal catalog for pyrotechnics: DFB grants the money tap!

The 1st FC Kaiserslautern is faced with a punishment of 45,600 euros, which was imposed by the sports court of the German Football Association (DFB). The reason for this measure lies in the unsportsmanlike behavior of the fans of the association, which came into its own at two events last year. These incidents occurred during the home game against Hamburger SV on September 21 and the away game against the 1st FC Nürnberg on November 8, when fans lit pyrotechnics. The association has the option of using up to 15,200 euros of punishment for security or violence prevention measures. Evidence of the use of these funds must be presented to the DFB by the end of September. This reports the Rheinpfalz.

pyrotechnics remains a explosive topic in German football, after the DFB has imposed on seven million euros in fines due to pyrotechnic incidents since the 2018/2019 season. These conflicts between the DFB and the fans lead to a split ratio. Anders Kjellevold from the Norsk Supporterallianse calls for more acceptance for pyrotechnics and better security concepts. A pilot project in Norway that allows controlled use of pyrotechnics in stadiums could serve as a positive example. Fans must be over 18 years old and complete training before they are allowed to burn pyrotechnics in specially marked zones. The aim of this project is to contain the unauthorized use of pyrotechnics and to enable the exchange about his experiences at the end of the 2025 season.

conflict between DFB and fans

DFB policy currently sees no solution through limited permission to pyrotechnics. Instead, the association relies on fines to generate deterrent. The punishments that are imposed due to illegitimate pyro use have more than doubled since 2018. In the 20222/2023 season, these punishments amounted to a total of 7,369,400 euros. This high sum not only puts a strain on the clubs, but also places the existence of small clubs, such as in the Regionalliga Nordost, on the rehearsal, which was faced with 390,000 euros last season. This is also questioned by sociologist Stephanie Moldenhauer, who questions the effectiveness of the punishments.

The DFB and the DFL have so far rejected a legalization of pyrotechnics, although the active fan scene supports such a measure. The two organizations agree that certain pyrotechnic objects such as firecrackers or rockets are not allowed in the stadium. The DFB has also set up a special penalty catalog: for burning pyrotechnic objects, it provides for fines of 1,000 euros in the Bundesliga. The throwing or shooting of such objects even moves up to 3,000 euros.

The discussion about the legalization of pyrotechnics has far been concluded, and it remains to be seen whether the DFB will rethink its strict ban in view of the ongoing conflicts. While some clubs such as Chemnitz FC are advocating a rethink, the DFB continues to question its current practice. Because, according to Kjellevold, it could be time to rethink the bans in German football in order to find a better balance between security and the lively fan culture.