FC Bayern München play Regional League Kickers Offenbach in a benefit match on Wednesday (18.30 CET, live on Sport 1 and FCBayern.tv). "With this support, FC Bayern could help prevent Kickers going bankrupt," said Offenbach president Helmut Spahn.
It was agreed in December to stage the friendly during this international break. There was no other possible space in the busy diary of the German champions in the second half of 2017 with the forthcoming matches in the Bundesliga, Champions League and the DFB Cup.
"FC Bayern München are not only the most successful and most popular club in Germany but are also known worldwide for their social commitment," said Spahn. "I'm particularly grateful to Karl-Heinz Rummenigge who immediately promised his support. That was not necessarily to be expected. I'd also like to thank the FC Bayern team, in particular the sporting management including coach Carlo Ancelotti."
With most of the Bayern players away on international duty, Carlo Ancelotti will not be able to field many of the German champions’ regular starters but Offenbach were aware of that. Nevertheless, captain Manuel Neuer, striker Franck Ribéry, defenders Rafinha, Javi Martinez and Sven Ulreich will travel to Offenbach.
Kickers Offenbach are a traditional club and an important club in the history of the Bundesliga," said Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, chairman of FC Bayern München. "All funds raised will go to Offenbach. I hope Kickers succeed in achieving stability on the pitch and financially."
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has a very special connection to Kickers Offenbach. He played his first Bundesliga match for FC Bayern in 1974 – against Kickers. Offenbach won the game 6-0 at the Waldstadion in Frankfurt.
"In the name of all OFC bodies and our fans, I can promise we will never forget this gesture of solidarity from FC Bayern München," said Offenbach president Helmut Spahn. FC Bayern München have played similar benefit matches for nearly 15 years. In 2003, FC St. Pauli and Chemnitzer FC were saved from bankruptcy through the monies raised in their benefit matches against FC Bayern. Other clubs helped in this way include Darmstadt 98, Dynamo Dresden and Hansa Rostock..
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