VfB Stuttgart HubVfB Stuttgart must pay 233,000 euros after fans used pyrotechnics in April. The sports court of the German Football Association imposed the fine because fans in the Cannstatter Kurve ignited pyrotechnics before the game and during the match.
What happened?
The match between VfB Stuttgart and SC Freiburg in the semifinals of the DFB Cup was marked by the use of pyrotechnics. The fans had set off Bengal fires and other pyrotechnic devices, which led to a three-minute delay in the game.
Why is this important for VfB Stuttgart?
The fine is part of a long list of fines for the club. In the past two years, the DFB sports court has imposed fines totaling 1.15 million euros on VfB Stuttgart for the use of pyrotechnics.
What's next?
VfB Stuttgart is waiving the possibility of an appeal and will pay the imposed fine. The issue has been a topic of discussion in German football for a long time, with the known opposing positions. While the active fan scene sees pyrotechnics as part of fan culture, authorities and associations point to a security risk for stadium visitors.
| Date | Event | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| April 2026 | Pyrotechnic use in the DFB Cup semifinals | 233,000 euros |
| September 2024 | Pyrotechnic use in the first round of the Cup | 104,000 euros |
VfB Stuttgart is currently in 4th place in the Bundesliga, with 62 points and a record of 18 wins, 8 draws, and 8 losses. The team has scored 71 goals and conceded 49 this season, resulting in a positive goal difference of +22.
