1. FC Kaiserslautern fined 300,000 euros for DFB-Pokal riots

The German Football Association (DFB) sports court has imposed a 300,000 euro fine on 1. FC Kaiserslautern following severe riots during a DFB-Pokal match against Waldhof Mannheim on August 21, 2026. The club is permitted to use 120,000 euros of the fine for security and violence prevention measures.

The disciplinary action also includes a partial spectator ban, which has been suspended on probation until March 31, 2028. DFB Vice President for Legal Affairs, Thomas Bergmann, described the incidents as a “nearly unprecedented excess,” citing the massive use of pyrotechnics and the launching of rockets toward spectators as unacceptable behavior.

The riots resulted in injuries to 35 police officers and numerous fans, requiring a massive deployment of 1,400 police personnel. While Waldhof Mannheim had previously been fined 100,000 euros for the same event, 1. FC Kaiserslautern has indicated it may appeal the ruling.