Hamburg is currently scrutinizing the involvement of clubs in covering police expenses.
Hamburg intends to make football clubs cover the expenses related to police presence at matches. The Hamburg Parliament, with support from the red-green coalition, approved this plan. This change would impact both Bundesliga team FC St. Pauli and Hamburger SV from the second division. At present, the public funds cater to these security costs.
According to the resolution, the red-green administration, subject to the decision of the Federal Constitutional Court regarding the Bremen fee ordinance for "profit-oriented events," will push for a nationwide or cross-state investigation into a mutual fund to cover police costs for football matches.
Bremen issues invoices to Werder Bremen
In Bremen, Bundesliga team Werder Bremen has already been sent bills for additional policing expenses during high-risk matches. The DFL is currently contesting this in the Constitutional Court. If Bremen's regulations continue, a shared fund for police expenses might be established. The Hamburg Senate is expected to discuss further preventative security measures with the Hamburg football clubs, DFL, DFB, Central Information Unit for Sports Deployments, and Federal Police, as per the Parliament's wishes.
SPD interior expert Soeren Schumacher stated, "Things occur around football that would never be tolerated otherwise," referring to issues like verbal abuse, racism, or sexual violence. Although there is commendable preventive work, he argued, it is not sufficient. Some games in Hamburg require protection from nearly 2000 police officers. Schumacher pointed out, "A total of 1.6 million working hours for police deployments were required for the first and second Bundesliga nationwide, equivalent to the full-time work of 1238 police officers."
The Hamburg Senate might hold discussions with local football clubs and relevant authorities about implementing a shared fund for police expenses, similar to the situation in Bremen. If the Bremen regulations remain unchallenged, this could set a precedent for Hamburg.
In light of these escalating security costs and the issues surrounding football matches, the Police will undoubtedly play a crucial role in implementing and enforcing any changes.
