Statement of solidarity from FC Bayern Hilfe eV

During the coronavirus crisis, FC Bayern and fans have marked their solidarity with amateur football and grassroots sport through FC Bayern Hilfe eV. Many supporters have turned down refunds for match tickets and donated the corresponding amount to FC Bayern Hilfe eV. This money benefits the 18 clubs of the Bayern Regionalliga and the Bavarian State Sports Association BLSV. Each regional league receives €20,000 and the BLSV €100,000.

FC Bayern Hilfe eV chairman Karl Hopfner said: "I would like to say a big thank you to the fans who made this possible. With this campaign we want to support the clubs in the Bayern Regionalliga during the coronavirus crisis. The Bavarian State Sports Association makes an enormous contribution to society, and we want to help here as well. The financial situation is tense in many places. It is about preserving the structures of our sporting landscape. We all face challenges, and FC Bayern sees it as our responsibility to help wherever we can."

FC Bayern Hilfe eV deputy chairman Uli Hoeneß: "I think it is important that FC Bayern, who can of course act from a position of strength, show solidarity in so many different ways, be it through the waiver of our players' wages, the initiative 'WeKickCorona' by Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich, the European Solidarity Cup and much more. We are very happy about the donations from our fans. I want more cohesion than ever for sport. Now is not the time to think of oneself. We need optimism and solidarity in our society."

Bavarian Football Association President Rainer Koch: "I am very happy and would like to thank FC Bayern Hilfe eV for understanding the concerns and hardships of the Bavarian regional league clubs and helping each club with €20,000. This is a great boost for the clubs and a very strong sign of solidarity between FC Bayern and the Bavarian amateur league, where their reserves played for several years."

Bavarian State Sports Association President Jörg Ammon: "The contribution from FC Bayern Hilfe eV to Bavarian sport is a strong signal from our largest member. We thank you kindly. In this difficult time, Bavarian sport is very grateful for the generous support from FC Bayern Hilfe eV. This gives our sport clubs recognition as 'heroes in this crisis'."