The topic of spinning off the professional players’ department remains an ongoing issue at FC Schalke 04. Hertha BSC fans have some advice for the club from Gelsenkirchen.

Despite all the rivalry in the relegation battle, Hertha BSC stood by FC Schalke 04 on Friday night in the direct duel (5:2) with an important piece of advice.

“Spin-off is not a panacea! Keep E.V. in Gelsenkirchen!” read a banner in the visitors’ corner.

This refers to a potential spin-off of the professional players’ department. A step, which took place with the Berliners already in the year 2000 and in the final effect also the turbulent era around the former investor Lars Windhorst made possible. He has since been replaced by the investment firm 777 Partners.

A potential spin-off also remains an ongoing topic at FC Schalke 04, which continues to be a registered club.

One Schalke member wanted to get this topic rolling at the upcoming annual general meeting on June 17. His reasoning: “The debt mountain of over 180 million euros can only be solved with a spin-off, with player transfer fees and a gripping concept. Reducing player salaries does not increase the debt level, but also does not achieve a noticeable reduction in debt.” There would be no other way to return Schalke to its former greatness.

The motion was rejected due to a formal error. The topic remains present, however: a motion by Karl Kinne and Markus Rohmann was admitted, for example, which is to instruct the Executive Board by vote of the General Meeting to conduct a member survey to enable an opening to a new shareholder structure. The exact question to be asked is to be determined by the Supervisory Board.