Enlarge image
The trigger: yellow instead of red for Nuremberg's Lukas Mühl
Photo: Sportfoto Zink / Wolfgang Zink / imago images / Zink
After several alleged wrong referee decisions against the Würzburger Kickers in the 2nd Bundesliga, the online printing company Flyeralarm wants to terminate its contracts with the German Football Association.
The company boss Thorsten Fischer announced after the 1: 1 of the Kickers against 1. FC Nürnberg on Sunday.
»After eleven game-deciding wrong decisions today, I shall use this method to verbally terminate all contracts with the DFB in advance - with all serenity and without emotion.
This concerns my complete sponsorship for the national team and the DFB, «it said in a message.
In the beginning of the game, a controversial decision came about when a Nuremberg defender had only received a yellow card after a duel.
The Würzburg had demanded a dismissal.
Name sponsor of the women's Bundesliga
Flyeralarm is the main sponsor of the Würzburger Kickers and has also been the name sponsor of the women's Bundesliga since the 2019/2020 season.
This commitment was agreed until 2022/2023.
"The topic of the women's Bundesliga, and I would like to emphasize that, we consider and examine separately," said Fischer, according to another message.
“Because the women in this male-dominated domain, the DFB, can't help it at all.
Flyeralarm continues to have a big heart for women's football. "
It was initially unclear whether the sponsorship agreement could end beforehand.
According to information from the German Press Agency, it is about sponsorship money of around 4.5 million euros, which the printing company now wants to deduct, especially for perimeter advertising at international matches of the DFB.
"I've lost both my belief and hope in equal treatment and serious business conduct," said Fischer.
The Würzburg team often did not convince in terms of play during the season.
In addition, however, Fischer listed eleven actions in the season in which the Lower Franconia were disadvantaged.
"These blatant - I meanwhile say willful wrong decisions against us - leave me no other choice," it said.
The Kickers are bottom of the 2nd division with 20 points after 28 games.
They are six points behind the relegation place, with Würzburg having played one game more than the direct competition.
mfu / dpa