German heavyweights Bayern Munich have agreed to waive half of the gate takings from Wednesday’s match away at third-division Viktoria Cologne.
German tabloid Bild reports the amount is likely to be around 150,000 euros ($150,000).
Under German Football Federation (DFB) rules, home and visiting teams each receive 45 percent of the total gate receipts, with the DFB taking the final 10 percent.
While Bayern are by far the wealthiest club in Germany, teams in the country’s third division are heavily reliant on gate receipts to balance their books.
Viktoria’s managing director Eric Bock told Bild: “In a game of this magnitude, that is anything but a matter of course and is unique in German football.”
“On behalf of the Viktoria family, I would like to sincerely thank FC Bayern, who are once again underlining their exceptional position with this gesture.”
Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer said the gesture came out of a desire to support the lower tiers of the German football pyramid.
“Many clubs are suffering from the consequences of the pandemic and FC Bayern has always been known for supporting clubs in need.”
“We are happy to make this contribution.”
In addition to playing benefit games to boost the bottom line against several clubs including St Pauli, Union Berlin and Darmstadt, Bayern also famously gave Borussia Dortmund an interest-free loan in 2004 when the then financially stricken club was unable to pay its players.
The game, which kicks off Bayern and Cologne’s German Cup season, will take place on Wednesday evening in Cologne’s 50,000-seat RheinEnergie Stadium and is expected to sell out.
