German FA to shift policing costs to home clubs for high-risk matches

The German Football Association (DFB) said Friday it would transfer heightened policing costs for high-risk fixtures directly to the home clubs involved, as it seeks to address rising security expenses at contentious matches.

The move comes as German football authorities grapple with escalating security requirements at certain games, where tensions between rival supporters have necessitated enhanced police presence and operational costs.

While implementing the cost-sharing measure, the DFB reiterated its principled stance against the formal introduction of policing fees as a standard practice in professional football. The association indicated the cost transfers would be limited to matches specifically classified as presenting elevated security risks.

The decision reflects ongoing challenges facing European football leagues in managing fan conduct and associated security expenditures. Home clubs will now bear financial responsibility for additional police resources deployed at their fixtures, a shift that could influence how clubs approach supporter management and stadium security protocols.

The DFB's announcement signals a pragmatic approach to budget allocation while preserving the association's opposition to broadening policing fee structures across the sport.