Schalke: Millionen-Entlastung durch Genossenschaft? from

Schalke: Debt relief of millions thanks to cooperative?

Veltins Arena to become property of the club?

Cooperative model as a way out of the financial crisis?

FC Schalke 04 is apparently planning a groundbreaking step to alleviate its financial worries. According to a report by the "WAZ", the club is considering transferring the Veltins Arena to a cooperative. This would make the stadium the property of the club and would thus save Schalke millions in rent.

The cooperative model is not new in professional football. Borussia Dortmund has been using this model successfully for years. The BVB stadium, Signal Iduna Park, is owned by the "Dortmund Football Stadium Operating Company GmbH & Co. KGaA". This company is in turn 100 percent owned by "Borussia Dortmund Football Stadium GmbH & Co. KG", which in turn is owned by Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA. This complex construction ensures that the stadium remains in the possession of the club.

FC Schalke 04 is said to be examining this model very closely. The "WAZ" reports that the club is in talks with potential investors who are willing to invest in the cooperative. The aim is to raise a double-digit million amount through the cooperative. This money would then be used to pay off the club's debts.

The transfer of the Veltins Arena to a cooperative would have several advantages for Schalke. On the one hand, the club would save millions in rent. On the other hand, the stadium would remain in the possession of the club, which would give Schalke more planning security.

However, the transfer of the Veltins Arena to a cooperative is also associated with risks. For example, it is unclear how the fans will react to this step. In addition, it is possible that the cooperative model will not be as successful as hoped and that Schalke will continue to struggle financially.

Nevertheless, the transfer of the Veltins Arena to a cooperative is an interesting option for Schalke to alleviate its financial worries. The club is now examining this model very closely and will probably make a decision in the coming months.