The fans of FSV Zwickau have launched an appeal for donations. The third-division relegated club needs 500,000 euros, otherwise it will be “threatened with deletion from the club register”.
The fans of FSV Zwickau launched a crowdfunding campaign on Monday with the project “Football belongs to the fans”, which aims to raise 500,000 euros for the club within eight weeks.
After FSV was relegated from the 3rd division last season, there were far-reaching changes in the management. An investor who wanted to take over the club’s fortunes was rejected due to differing values.
“It became clear to those around us in good time that the takeover would bring with it many negative side effects. At the very last moment, the officials of our club, in consultation with us fans, made a far-reaching decision by recognising the values of our club, trusting in the work done in recent years and rejecting the investor,” reads the description of the appeal for donations by the fans and the supporters’ association.
The “problem or remarkable thing” about this was: “There was no sure plan B. The investor was chased out of the yard. The investor was chased out of the yard, knowing that this could be it for the club. “
We need your support for honest and sustainable football, without investors. Without you the lights go out in Zwickau
Appeal for donations FSV Zwickau
The new FSV CFO, André Beuchold, was self-critical: “The 3rd League was and is economically impossible for our club to manage on its own. We tried with honest work – but failed. Especially against financially strong competition, former Bundesliga clubs and clubs from economically and structurally strong regions.”
Under the motto “If anyone invests here, it’s us!”, the West Saxons have already sold over 800 season tickets for the upcoming Regionalliga season.
Now the fans also want to contribute money to the club’s survival with their appeal for donations. They are hoping for nationwide support from other fan associations who also oppose the entry of investors into football. “We need your support for honest and sustainable football, without investors. Without you, the lights go out in Zwickau,” the organisers write.
A bleak picture is painted in case FSV cannot close the financial gap. “If we achieve our goal, FSV Zwickau will compete in the Regionalliga next season. If we miss it, we face deletion from the club register.” (with dpa)