February 9 – FC Schalke 04 has raised approximately €7.5 million in new equity after selling a minority stake in the operating company of the VELTINS-Arena to fan-owned cooperative Auf Schalke eG – a move that forms part of the club’s ongoing financial restructuring.
Under the deal, Schalke transferred 5.4% of FC Schalke 04-Stadion-Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. Immobilienverwaltungs-KG to the cooperative, corresponding to nominal shares worth €2.16 million. The total share capital of the stadium company remains €40 million.
The transaction formally brings Auf Schalke eG, which is backed by club members and supporters, into co-ownership of the stadium. It’s important to note that while the cooperative now holds a direct stake, Schalke has retained strategic control of the arena – ensuring that ownership remains within the club’s wider ecosystem rather than being diluted externally.
The all-important capital injection now provides the Bundesliga 2 side with immediate balance-sheet relief as it looks to shake off its status as one of the sleeping giants of European football.
The club confirmed that, after tax, the funds will be used primarily to “reduce liabilities and improve liquidity”. This follows the recent repayment of maturing bonds and the reduction of two state-backed loans, as the club pushes to stabilise its finances after several challenging seasons.
By strengthening its equity position, Schalke has improved compliance with Deutsche Fußball Liga requirements, which have become more stringent amid growing financial scrutiny across German professional football.
Part of the proceeds will also be used to buy back stadium shares previously held by municipal utility Stadtwerke Gelsenkirchen. Schalke sold those shares in 2009 but retained a contractual option to reacquire them. Exercising that option now pushes the club’s total ownership stake in the stadium company back above 50%, restoring voting control over key strategic decisions related to the arena.
Christina Rühl-Hamers, Schalke board member for finance, said: “Thanks to this transaction, we can continue to reduce liabilities and gradually regain greater freedom of action in our decisions. It also helps us meet the DFL equity requirement this year.”
Matthias Tillmann, board member of Auf Schalke eG, added: “This is the first visible success of Auf Schalke eG. The cooperative members have acquired a tangible piece of their royal-blue living room, while the club strengthens its financial foundation.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1771517487labto1771517487ofdlr1771517487owedi1771517487sni@g1771517487niwe.1771517487yrrah1771517487