Fan Protests Sweep Through the Bundesliga! Hoffenheim’s Season Opener Possibly Canceled, Dortmund and Leipzig Also Involved

The new Bundesliga season has kicked off amidst a wave of protests. According to German media reports, extreme fan protests could prevent the match between Hoffenheim and Kiel from taking place as scheduled at Hoffenheim’s home ground. Furthermore, there will be ongoing protests at future home games for Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.

The increasing number of protests in Bundesliga stadiums stems from fans’ successful efforts last season to prevent foreign investors from entering the Bundesliga. Among all the protests, the situation is most tense at Hoffenheim, where extreme fan groups are even calling for the cancellation of the home game against Kiel. Hoffenheim’s head coach, Matarazzo, acknowledged the confrontation between the club and its fans, stating, “This is no secret anymore.”

The demands of Hoffenheim fans mainly revolve around two points: first, the dismissal of Rosen, who had worked at the club for 13 years as General Manager, which sparked discontent; secondly, the long-term target of fan protests, the club’s investor, Hopp. Hopp, due to his sharp and rapid commercial reforms, has faced criticism from many grassroots football supporters who oppose “money-burning,” being viewed by many fans as a “moneyed football businessman who disregards football tradition.”

Dortmund fans are preparing to protest against the club’s sponsorship deal with arms manufacturer Rheinmetall. Many Dortmund fan organizations plan to display banners during the home game against Frankfurt to express their opposition.

Leipzig fans also intend to stage protests during the match against Bochum, though the sentiment among Leipzig fans is far less extreme compared to that of Hoffenheim and Dortmund fans.