Schalke 04 cancels membership meeting, sends out solidarity letter to fans
A rough year for the relationship between Bundesliga club FC Schalke 04 and its members looks ready to get even more tumultuous after the board sent an open letter to its supporters.
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A series of recent conflicts in the city of Gelsenkirchen have already seen Schalke fans pressure their local football club for the removal of chairman Clemens Tönnies and justifiably push back against the organization who refused to refund money to season-ticket holders during the corona-crisis.
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Another tone-deaf communique isn't likely to improve matters. Like many Bundesliga clubs, die Knappen have postponed their in-person annual membership meeting until such time as larger-scale public events are permitted in the Bundesrepublik.
In explaining its decision, here's what Schalke had to say to its fans in a letter sent out this week:
"Dear Members,
Our club is currently mired in a situation that none of us have experienced before. Especially in sporting terms, where the state-of-affairs is more difficult than it has been in decades. The fact that we haven't won in 26 Bundesliga fixtures hurts us all immensely. We are aware of how much you are suffering; so much so that many have turned away from their beloved club over the last few months out of anger, despair, and incomprehension.
In recent years, the club has undoubtedly committed painful mistakes, particularly in terms of sporting and financial policies. Inevitably, this has led to a loss of confidence. We are working to rectify these mistakes. Despite everything, we shall face challenges in the coming months that shall demand everything of us.
The performance of our licensed club in the Bundesliga takes absolute priority. We must end this series of winless games as quickly as possible in order to collect the points necessary to remain in the division. To put it plainly: The retention of top-flight football is a critical measure for our economic stability, particularly in view of the effects of the corona-pandemic. We firmly believe the we will achieve this. Giving up has never been an option for Schalke anyway!
We fully understand your dissatisfaction with the current situation. You have every right to criticize and even curse loudly. Regrettably, due to the current corona-pandemic, you cannot come to the Veltins-Arena in order to either cheer on our team or make your voices heard when things are not going so well.
There is one thing we cannot accept: No one individual or grouping can stand above the needs of the club. FC Schalke 04 has always endorsed a culture of lively discussion between the fans, members, and those in charge. This should and will remain the case, but its basis remains fair mutual efforts and the willingness to engage in objective dialogue. We've always offered the latter and it shall continue to remain available in the future.
However, a line is crossed when individuals are specifically declared the scapegoat or deemed to be the sole culprit. To put it in the words of our coach-of-the-century, Huub Stevens, "It is never about the individual, it is always about the club." That is precisely how it is, and the club needs all of us now--together as one.
At the very latest, everything will unsparingly be put on the table at our next general members meeting. The objective is to hold the meeting with an audience in attendance. Taking into consideration the aggressive spread of, we fear that this will nevertheless not be possible for some time. Since we've, naturally, noticed how much the ordinary interactions have suffered through the lack of fan clubs, forums, and panel discussions, we shall increase the options for virtual exchanges in the near future.
First, we must remain in the league. After that, we can hold the general membership meeting, complete with all the accompanying debates and elections to the club's governing bodies. The prioritized timetable is set. The only thing that truly counts between now and May is maintaining our place in the league.
In service of this, we require the strong support and cohesion that has always distinguished die Knappen. Only together can we manage to remain in the top flight--where our club belongs. This goal must take priority over everything else. "All together for the FC Schalke 04" must be the rallying cry over the next few decisive months. For this we need all of you. It can only be done together.
yours sincerely,
The Schalke 04 board."