FC Erzgebirge Aue is heading toward relegation in the 3. Liga. Club officials have already prepared for this scenario.

The recent 2-4 loss to Rot-Weiss Essen has once again shown that Erzgebirge Aue certainly has its moments in the 3rd Division. Ultimately, however, coach Christoph Dabrowski’s team had to admit defeat once again.

Avoiding relegation is becoming increasingly unlikely. The club officials in Aue are well aware of this, which is why they are planning for two possible outcomes. “The FC Erzgebirge Aue board was in Essen on Saturday and would have liked to congratulate the team and the sporting director in the locker room after the final whistle on a successful comeback. For Thomas Schlesinger, Jens Haustein, and Jörg Scholz, however, there was only consolation and encouragement left after the equalizer at Hafenstraße had seemed within reach following an interim 0-3 deficit. Once again, the Veilchen had to admit that with the number of goals conceded in this league, it’s nearly impossible to win a game. More of a painful confirmation than a new realization,” the board writes in a statement.

The potential for relegation often also puts the livelihoods of club employees at risk. “Even though the team hasn’t given up and once again showed spirit against the third-place team in Essen, the chances of staying in the league are dwindling week by week.” The board of FC Erzgebirge Aue already addressed the club’s employees last week, speaking to staff at the administrative office, the youth academy, the boarding school, and the stadium crew about the upcoming 2026/27 season,” the board continues.

However, there was good news for the staff: “The established structures and professional infrastructure are to be largely maintained despite necessary restrictions and cost-cutting measures. The goal is to put together a budget close to 10 million euros and get back on the offensive immediately.”

That is a very high budget for the Regional League. The reason is obvious. In the coming season, the Northeast Regional League will promote one team directly, bypassing the relegation playoffs.

“It is only natural that not all decisions regarding the next season have been finalized in detail by mid-March. We must continue discussions at full speed, including with sponsors and service providers. The club’s leadership has taken note of recent media reports regarding conflicting views within the committees and is taking responsibility. “There are undoubtedly different ways to get back on the path to sporting success in this anniversary year. And in a diverse body like the supervisory board, with many different personalities, there are also different ideas. That is absolutely legitimate; every single person cares deeply about the club. We naturally involve the Supervisory Board, work closely together, and always value recommendations and perspectives. Ultimately, however, the Executive Board must make the decisions regarding day-to-day operations; that is why it was elected and took office,” explains President Thomas Schlesinger.