FRANKFURT / KAISERSLAUTERN – The DFB Presidium has relaxed the admission procedure in the 3rd league of men and the women’s Bundesliga to relieve the clubs in the Corona crisis. Among other things, there will be no refusals to register in the coming season due to unproven economic performance. This was announced by the German Football Association on Wednesday in Frankfurt. The decision will also help 1. FC Kaiserslautern, who is in financial need.
Before the Corona crisis, the Palatinate already lacked 11 million euros to secure the game for the next season. Due to the failure of the games, the critical situation has worsened, and the Fritz-Walter-Club has to record an additional million.
Many clubs fear for their existence
The granting of possible conditions, conditions and sanctions have been adjusted or suspended, point deductions are not provided, but transfer conditions, according to the DFB. “The measures are as necessary as they are logical. In the current situation, we cannot set the usual standards in the 3rd division and women’s Bundesliga, that would be absurd,” said Peter Frymuth, DFB vice president of operations and football development.
Numerous third division clubs fear for their existence, as they rely on spectator income much more than the 1st and 2nd division. The approval process is not completely suspended in the crisis, however, and the clubs have to continue collecting their financial data.
Lennart Grill will receive a contract in Leverkusen until 2024
In the meantime, it is already certain that fresh money will flow into the account of the Palatinate once the current season is over. Because Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen have signed U21 goalkeeper Lennart Grill from 1. FC Kaiserslautern. The 21-year-old, who was still committed to the Palatinate until June 30, 2021, will receive a contract in Leverkusen until summer 2024. Both clubs announced this on Wednesday. Nothing was known about the transfer fee.
Born in Idar-Oberstein, he has been playing in the Palatinate since 2017 and has played all competitive games for 1. FCK this season so far. “This is an obligation with perspective, Lennart has great development opportunities. We are very happy that we were able to convince him,” said Bayer Sports Director Simon Rolfes.
Spahic as grill successor
Avdo Spahic will probably take on the role of the successor to the grill. The 23-year-old has been a substitute in the FCK squad since summer 2019. Practically immediately after the announcement of the move from Lennart Grill to Leverkusen, Spahic has now extended his contract by two years until 2023.
“After moving from Cottbus, Avdo Spahic developed very well with us. Therefore, we wanted to extend his contract early, which we luckily succeeded in doing. We look forward to continuing to work with him, ”said FCK sports director Boris Notzon. It is still unclear whether an external goalkeeper should be added or the young talents Lorenz Otto, Jonas Weyand or Matheo Raab should move up in the hierarchy.
