The financially stricken Bundesliga club Schalke 04 does not receive any new help from its former supervisory board chairman Clemens Tönnies.
“The supervisory board agreed with a large majority to accept the offer and enter into talks, but not with the unanimity required by Clemens Tönnies,” reported Jens Buchta, the chairman of the committee, on Thursday on the club’s website.
Tönnies: “I regret that”
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Tönnies himself told the newspapers of the Funke media group in the evening that he wanted to ensure that “everyone is united behind the concept of securing relegation under all circumstances.” He bowed to the decision: “Although of course I regret it.”
According to media reports, two supervisory board members had refused to give their consent. Therefore, Buchta confirmed, Tönnies finally withdrew his offer of support. “I regret that. But we have to respect his decision,” said Buchta. “It is also important to respect that the supervisory board is a democratic body and that the decision-making process takes place in the context of a discussion.”
It was discussed that the meat manufacturer Tönnies is extending and expanding the existing sponsorship contract of one of its companies (Böklunder). Thus, a low double-digit million sum could have come together, with the help of which the Schalke team could have paid for the urgently needed squad changes in winter. The Royal Blues have been without a league win for almost a year and are currently bottom of the table.
Schalke has 200 million euros in debt
“The club is in a tense sporting and economic situation,” said Buchta. Nevertheless, “the ability to act is not restricted. We will continue to work calmly and focused.”
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Tönnies had resigned from his club office in the summer after 25 years. This was preceded by an internal three-month ban following a decision by the Honorary Council due to a racist statement. The Schalke press liabilities of at least 200 million euros. In addition, the club has received a guarantee from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
