German Football Association: €10 million deficit after World Cup exit

Germany’s early exit from the World Cup has also delivered a significant blow off the pitch. The German Football Association (DFB) expects to record a deficit of nearly 10 million euros ($11.4 million) as a result of its participation in the tournament, in addition to extra payments stemming from the departure of head coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Stefan Grünwald, the DFB’s treasurer, said yesterday that the deficit is estimated at around 9.4 million euros, though the final figure cannot be announced for accounting reasons until after autumn.

Germany was eliminated in the Round of 32, an early exit that Grünwald said was already factored into his financial plan. “It is my duty to plan in a way that prevents panic should a worst-case scenario occur,” he added.

Grünwald confirmed that the current budget does not include severance payments for Nagelsmann, who was under contract until 2028, nor for his coaching staff. It also excludes potential fees the DFB might have to pay to Red Bull, Jürgen Klopp’s current employer, should it succeed in hiring the former Liverpool manager as Germany’s new head coach.