The match between VfL Osnabrück and FC Schalke 04, scheduled for Saturday, May 4 (1 p.m.), is in danger of being canceled.
FC Schalke 04 is currently preparing for the away match – Saturday, May 4, 1 p.m. – at VfL Osnabrück. There are currently many indications that the match will be canceled.
Following a regular expert inspection of the roof structures carried out last week, VfL Osnabrück was temporarily banned from using the Bremer Brücke by the relevant authorities due to the defects found. VfL informed the DFL German Football League immediately. A decision on how to proceed will be made as soon as possible.
“We have had the stadium roofs inspected by experts every year since last year. While no short-term need for action was defined a year ago, a new situation has now arisen following the latest expert report last week. The condition of the so-called glued laminated timber beams of the east curve no longer allows the stadium to be used in its current form without the necessary measures being taken. The responsible authorities have therefore issued a corresponding prohibition of use for the entire stadium to ensure the safety of all stadium visitors and employees,” explained Dr. Michael Welling, Commercial Director of VfL Osnabrück.
The former boss of Rot-Weiss Essen continued: “We have already spent the last few days feverishly discussing solutions and taking initial measures, and are now continuing to do everything we can together with the authorities, experts and service providers to examine various structural measures and implement them so that we can make up for the bridge day against Schalke as quickly as possible and also play the last home game against Hertha BSC at Bremer Brücke as usual. We very much regret the inconvenience, but the safety of everyone involved – from fans, players and referees to service providers, partners and employees – is our top priority. “
In the opinion of the experts, it is impossible to use the east curve for home matches against FC Schalke 04 and Hertha BSC without immediate measures. At the same time, tests are being carried out to ensure that the roof structures of the other stands do not have any such defects. Until then, the city of Osnabrück has had to refrain from using the entire stadium on the basis of the expert reports.
The final decision as to whether the matchday 32 fixture can take place as planned will ultimately be made by the German Football League (DFL) following official receipt of the official order.
“In terms of the competition and the sporting circumstances, we expect that the match can take place on Saturday as planned. At the moment, it is not possible for Schalke 04 to seriously assess whether this is possible. What is clear is that the safety and health of everyone always takes priority,” said the board of FC Schalke 04.