Hertha BSC before membership assembly: financial crisis and big questions!

Hertha BSC before membership assembly: financial crisis and big questions!

Hertha BSC invites its members to the upcoming general meeting on Sunday, which begins at 11 a.m. in Hall 22b of the Berlin trade fair. This event takes place a week after the end of the season in the 2nd Bundesliga, in which the team did not go beyond a 1: 1 against Hannover 96. The focus is on a variety of explosive topics, not least the review of a disappointing season in which the ascent was given as a goal. The fear of a possible descent into the 3rd division throws shadows on the meeting, especially after the dismissal of coach Cristian Fiél and the resignation of Andreas "Zecke" Neuendorf as director of academy and license player area.

Another important point are the financial challenges consisting of dissatisfied results and the unsettled license for the 2nd Bundesliga. Questions about the role of the US company 777 partners, which has 78.8% of the shares in Hertha BSC, are still in the room. The repayment of the Nordic Bond bond is pending, which underlines the urgency of a concrete concept to improve the situation. These topics are of central importance for members and are certainly discussed in detail, especially since sports director Benjamin Weber will be held responsible for personnel and squad decisions.

financial situation and perspectives

Despite the current challenges, Hertha BSC looks at a positive development towards an operational result (EBITDA) at the end of the 2023/24 season. According to Herthabsc.com , the budget and cost controls have an effect, which is reflected in a sunken cost development. Thomas E. Herrich, the former managing director, had highlighted the budget renovation. In addition, 777 partners can stabilize the course with an equity investment of 75 million euros.

Hertha BSC also recorded a record increase in members and an increase in merchandising sales. This is supplemented by the fact that own talents from the football academy were integrated into the license team, which follows the so-called “Berliner Weg”, which was initiated in the 2022/23 season.

The "Berliner Weg" and membership expectations

The "Berliner Weg", funded by the Presidium of Kay Bernstein, focuses on the sustainable training of talents. In the current Bundesliga season, 11 players from the Hertha BSC Football Academy have already played, which contributes to the positive development of the association. The club has reduced the cost structure by over 70 million euros since the second half of 2022/23 and attributed the interest -on liabilities by 25 million euros. After years with negative operating results, the club management is optimistic about the future, reports Sportplatzwelt.de

With over 27 million members of more than 90,000 clubs in Germany, developments in the field of club management and sports management are also of central importance for Hertha. These aspects are discussed during the general assembly, which is why the members can also expect concrete solutions and answers here.

Given the many open questions and the uncertain future, Hertha BSC faces a decisive phase. The members are invited to bring their opinions and questions and actively participate in the design of the next steps in order to stabilize the association sustainably and to align them on a successful future.