The FC Schalke 04 general meeting also addressed the club’s U23 team. They’re at the top of the Regionalliga. Will S04 apply for a 3rd League license?

On Saturday, FC Schalke 04’s general meeting took place at the Veltins-Arena. But instead of lasting seven hours, this time it took only four hours, after which all agenda items had been addressed. The team’s recent resurgence has satisfied many members and put them to rest.

“When things are going well on the field and when there’s good news—and you can see that we’re making progress in all areas—then the mood is naturally better,” said Supervisory Board Chairman Axel Hefer after the event. However, he added that they also know how to properly assess the current situation. Still: “Of course, our goal is to be promoted to the 1st League—the sooner, the better.”

Currently in second place in the standings, Schalke 04 is well in the running in the 2nd League. Also well in the running is S04’s U23 team, which is tied on points with league leader Fortuna Köln and also sits in second place in the Regionalliga West. However, Coach Jakob Fimpel’s team is unlikely to be promoted to the 3rd Division, even if they were to achieve it on the field.

“It’s a luxury problem for us that we’re in this situation—we have no worries and aren’t fighting relegation in the Regionalliga West, but are right up there at the top,” said Schalke’s sporting director Frank Baumann in response to a question from a member. “The guys are doing very well. But for now, the focus is on individual development. We’ll have to think about the issue at the beginning of the year. I believe you can provide excellent development even in the Regionalliga.”

Baumann: “Infrastructure would certainly present us with some problems”

Baumann continued: “ If we’re promoted to the 3rd League, there are of course a few other things to consider. The issue of infrastructure would certainly present us with some problems. That’s why we’re going to wait and see how the team develops on the field first. And then we’ll decide how to handle the licensing paperwork—whether we actually apply for a 3rd League license or continue down this path and further develop the players through the Regional League.”

Among other things, this would require significant additional investment in the Parkstadion, where the floodlight system is also inadequate. That’s money Schalke doesn’t have. According to RS information, there is therefore a clear internal tendency not to apply for a 3rd League license for the reserve team.