Berlin Sports Authorities Address Club Complaints Regarding Football Support

In response to complaints from football clubs in Berlin's Regional and Oberliga about inadequate political support, local sports authorities are taking action to resolve ongoing issues. One notable development involves Hertha 03 Zehlendorf, which is set to receive official approval for a long-awaited guests' stand, ending a 14-month wait. The club's president confirmed that they expect to receive this approval shortly, which will allow them to return to their home ground instead of relocating to another venue.

The absence of a guests' stand, for which funds of 120,000 euros have been secured, previously forced Zehlendorf to play their home matches at the stadium of local rival Viktoria 89 Berlin. With this new approval, the club can now plan for the upcoming season without incurring additional expenses related to stadium rental, security, and catering.

Additionally, Marco Brauchmann, the district councilor for Treptow-Köpenick, has announced an end to the VSG Altglienicke's extensive tour of various Berlin stadiums, which included venues from Jahnsportpark to Howoge Arena Hans Zoschke. The construction work at their home stadium on Köpenicker Landstraße is anticipated to commence next year, contingent on securing the necessary funding. The councilor explained that the lengthy approval process, which began in 2019, was due to the need for extensive coordination and planning, particularly regarding the technical infrastructure, which has deteriorated over time.

The Senate's Department for Internal Affairs and Sports has allocated 24 million euros for 2025 under the Sports Facilities Renovation Program (SSP), aimed at helping districts prioritize the renovation of sports venues. This funding is part of Berlin's commitment to support football clubs that are either on the verge of professional status or already competing at that level. The recently upgraded Mommsenstadion, the facility in Hohenschönhausen, and the planned new Jahnstadion are set to provide essential infrastructure for clubs aspiring to enter professional football.

However, Norbert Uhlig, the president of BFC Dynamo, has raised concerns about the lack of support for the renovation of their aging stadium. While renovation plans are included in the coalition agreement, there is no timeline for when these improvements will take place, leading to frustration over the apparent lack of urgency in addressing the situation.