VfB Stuttgart and Bayern Munich have each been fined €260,000 after fans used pyrotechnics during the DFB-Pokal final. The DFB Sports Court imposed the penalties following Bayern's 3:0 victory on May 23, 2026. Stuttgart, currently 4th in the Bundesliga with 62 points, must also deal with a poor run of form (1W-2D-2L in their last five matches).
What happened?
Fans from both clubs set off around 600 pyrotechnic devices during the final in Berlin. The smoke was so thick that referee Tobias Stieler had to stop the game for three minutes in the 55th minute. Harry Kane scored all three goals for Bayern in the second half (55th, 80th, 92nd minute via penalty) to secure the double for the Munich side after their league title.
Why is the fine so high?
The DFB imposed the record fine because pyrotechnics clearly violate the rules. Both clubs can invest up to €86,700 of the fine into safety and violence prevention measures. Proof must be submitted by December 31, 2026. For Stuttgart, who have scored 71 goals and conceded 49 this season, this is another challenge in a tough period.
What does this mean for VfB Stuttgart?
In addition to the financial burden, VfB Stuttgart is under pressure to improve their form. After the 3:0 defeat to Bayern and two more losses in their last games (LLDDW), coach Sebastian Hoeneß must prepare the team for their next match against Paris FC on August 1, 2026. They will also be without injured players Dennis Seimen and Justin Diehl.
What comes next?
VfB Stuttgart must accept the fine and focus on improving their sporting performance. With a 27-point gap to Bayern Munich in the title race, the season is not yet lost, but Stuttgart must start winning again quickly to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive.
