DFB Faces Fan Backlash Over €12.5 Million in Club Fines

The German Football Association's penalties for fan misconduct, predominantly related to pyrotechnics, prompt calls for reform from supporters.

The DFB imposed €12.5 million in fines during the 2023/24 season for fan-related incidents across 56 clubs in Germany's top three leagues.
Nearly €11 million of the fines targeted Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga clubs, with most penalties linked to pyrotechnic misuse during matches.
Eintracht Frankfurt received the highest fines, totaling €918,950, followed by 1. FC Köln and 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
Fan groups criticized the DFB's blanket punishment approach, arguing it fails to differentiate between responsible fan culture and dangerous behavior.
Approximately €6 million of the fines were allocated to football-related charitable foundations, but critics question the effectiveness of the penalties in addressing the root issues.