Financial problems intensify
German traditional club in the crisis – players are missing
07/17/2025 – 2:33 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
VfB Lübeck is one of the largest clubs in the Regionalliga Nord. At the same time, it is perhaps the largest problem child in the north.
VfB Lübeck is facing significant problems a few days before the start of the new regional league season. Despite the rescue before bankruptcy at the end of 2024, the traditional club continues to lack financial stability – and thus in terms of sporting ability to act.
At the start of the Regionalliga Nord on July 26, the former second division has only been under contract 15 players. The reason is another tense budget. According to “Lübecker Nachrichten”, sports director Sebastian Harms explained at the club’s general meeting: “Our budget is in the last quarter of the regional league.” It was difficult for him to “spread total optimism”.
In December 2024, the association had still raised around one million euros through donations, sponsors and waiver to averted bankruptcy – after 2008 and 2013. However, a new shortfall of 400,000 euros became known in spring. This could only be compensated for by already calculating the club with revenue from the 2025/26 season. The result: little financial scope for the current squad planning.
CEO Dieter Gudel clearly formulated the situation: Only players can currently be hired to “bring money with them”. Sports Director Harms preceded the fact that only loan players can currently be afforded, whose salary will be taken over by their previous clubs. Alternatively, you rely on players whose consultants have an interest in their development – or in young talents from well -off families. However, this is not without risk. “You often get a bloody nose,” said Harms.