A FOOTBALL club has been declared bankrupt – with all players released immediately despite offering to play for free.
Fourth-tier German side KFC Uerdingen will not be able to finish the 2024/25 season.
On Tuesday, an insolvency administrator ordered the immediate suspension of play.
Thomas Ellrich declared that operations must be ceased so that players can apply for benefits.
The administrator said: “At the same time, all players have been released from their duties as of today so they can apply for appropriate benefits from the employment agency.
“Therefore, there will be no further matches until the end of the season.”
The non-profit status of Uerdingen was revoked by tax authorities “some time ago” unbeknownst to the administrators.
Club officials have therefore been unable to pay staff and players.
They also cannot accept volunteers in a blow to any hopes of keeping the club running.
Ellrich continued: “The revocation of non-profit status means that fewer, if any, donations of money and goods can be expected in the future.
“Furthermore, it would make employing volunteers considerably more difficult.
“The significant funds recently provided by supporters have since been exhausted, and no new payments are expected.”
As a result of the bankruptcy, KFC Uerdingen has been immediately relegated from the Regionalliga.
However, the club plan to take legal action.
KFC consultant Mehmet Eser was left shocked by the decision and told German outlet Kicker: “After the team learned that the season was being suspended, the players agreed to forgo their salaries until the end of the season and play for KFC Uerdingen for free.”
Eser has also agreed to personally cover the cost of every league match until the end of the season.
Uerdingen formerly played in the Bundesliga and enjoyed plenty of success in the 1980s.
The German minnows reached the Cup Winners Cup semi-final in 1986, where they faced Atletico Madrid.
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