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VfL Osnabrück: DFB Hands Down Lengthy Bans to Former Coaches Following Integrity Investigation The German Football Association (DFB) has concluded its integrity investigation into the conduct of former VfL Osnabrück head coach Marco Antwerpen and his assistant, Frank Döpper, imposing significant bans and fines related to an attempt to influence a cup final match in May of this year. The ruling brings a degree of closure to a dramatic episode that has overshadowed the Lower Saxony club’s start to the current campaign, even as the team enjoys a period of strong sporting performance in the 3. Liga. The DFB control committee found the former coaching duo guilty of exerting pressure on medical staff to keep a key player from a regional cup final, a violation deemed detrimental to the sport's integrity. Mr. Antwerpen, who had managed VfL Osnabrück through the latter half of the previous season, has been handed a 14-month ban from all football activities within Germany and a fine of €300,000. His former assistant, Mr. Döpper, received a four-month ban and a reduced fine of €500. Both individuals have been given a week to appeal the decision, a step their legal counsel has indicated is likely, suggesting the administrative battle surrounding the case is far from over. The core of the DFB’s case centres on events preceding the Lower Saxony State Cup Final in late May, where VfL Osnabrück faced fourth-tier side SW Lohne. The investigation revealed that Mr.
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Antwerpen and Mr. Döpper allegedly pressured Tim Schütte, the athletic trainer for Lohne, to ensure that Bernd Riesselmann, a young VfL Osnabrück player on loan at Lohne, would not participate in the cup match. Testimony suggested the coaches sought to have Mr. Riesselmann feign an injury. The defence argued that the coaches were merely trying to protect their returning player, a rationale the DFB did not accept in its formal judgement. The incident resulted in the immediate termination of the coaching duo by VfL Osnabrück, despite Mr. Antwerpen having successfully steered the club away from a precarious relegation battle in the 3. Liga. The sudden departure and subsequent legal actions—which include the coaches suing the club for wrongful termination in a separate labour court—highlighted the deep divisions within the club’s leadership at the time. The events necessitated a complete overhaul of the sporting hierarchy just weeks before the start of the new season. "The integrity of every match, regardless of its level, is sacrosanct to the DFB and the entire German football community," stated a source close to the DFB control committee, speaking anonymously due to the ongoing appeal window.
"The penalties reflect the seriousness of attempting to manipulate a competitive event through undue influence on club staff. While the financial impact of the sanctions is substantial, the message regarding ethical standards is the primary objective. " VfL Osnabrück, meanwhile, has sought to distance its sporting operations from the administrative turmoil. Following a period of intense restructuring, the club appointed Timo Schultz as the new head coach, tasked with stabilising the squad and setting a clear direction for the 2025-26 season. This appointment marked the beginning of a notable upturn in performance on the pitch, seemingly untainted by the legal disputes unfolding off it. Under the new management, the team has successfully navigated the challenging start to the 3. Liga campaign, currently sitting among the top three sides after the opening ten fixtures. This resurgence has been crucial for a club that experienced the sting of relegation from the 2. Bundesliga just over a year ago. The focus now is firmly on securing a promotional playoff spot, or, ideally, an automatic return to the second tier of German football. Dr.
Julian Meyer, a German sports business analyst based in Cologne, suggested that the club's handling of the immediate aftermath was critical to its recovery. "VfL Osnabrück acted decisively to sever ties with the implicated staff, allowing them to reset the narrative," Dr. Meyer told BBC News. "While the administrative headache of a drawn-out labour court battle and the reputational damage from the DFB ruling linger, the supporters and players have clearly been able to pivot their focus back to the football. In the world of German club football, particularly in the lower professional divisions, stability and a clear message of ethical governance often translate directly into on-pitch resilience. " For the supporters of VfL Osnabrück, who are known for their passionate loyalty to the club's iconic Stadion an der Bremer Brücke, the focus remains split. The successful start to the 3. Liga season provides a welcome distraction, yet the lengthy DFB verdict ensures that questions of governance and conduct will continue to feature prominently in the boardroom discussions. The club's path forward is now defined by this duality: fighting for sporting promotion while simultaneously working to restore full confidence in its administrative structure following one of the most turbulent periods in its recent history. The upcoming appeal process will serve as the next barometer for the long-term impact of this integrity breach.
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