Overview

• The DFB Sportgericht imposed a €20,000 fine on Eintracht Frankfurt on June 5 for deploying 14-year-old Niko Ilicevic in two noncompetitive matches.
• Ilicevic featured in wins over FSV Geislitz and SC Weimar in May, contributing one goal in each fixture.
• Sporting director Markus Krösche accepted full responsibility for the breach, saying the team had failed to register that the rules applied to test games.
• DFB regulations prohibit players under 15 from senior match participation, including friendlies, to ensure young athletes’ welfare.
• The German players’ union VdV highlighted the case as a reminder of the importance of strict adherence to youth protection standards.