Bayern Munich, VfB Stuttgart fined record €260,000 each by DFB for fan pyrotechnics in DFB-Pokal final

Munich/Stuttgart – FC Bayern Munich has been hit with the largest fine in its history. Following the pyro inferno caused by ultras during the DFB-Pokal final against VfB Stuttgart (3-0), the double winner received a record fine of €260,000 from the German Football Association (DFB). The ruling was issued by the DFB sports court in a single-judge procedure. VfB Stuttgart, the final opponent, received the same penalty for similarly massive use of pyrotechnic devices.

Judge Cites Severity of Offenses

Judge Stephan Oberholz emphasized the gravity of the incidents in the ruling's justification, citing "the considerable extent, duration and intensity, the dangerousness of the misconduct of the Munich supporters, and the resulting game delay." He further wrote: "The massive incidents to be assessed here, in the form of igniting hundreds of pyrotechnic devices, go beyond previously known disruptive incidents in terms of the severity of the act and guilt."

Details of the Pyro Incidents

According to the DFB protocol, more than 300 pyrotechnic devices were detected in each of the two fan curves – also as a protest by the ultras against the DFB.

• In the first half, at least 30 pyrotechnic items were ignited by Bayern supporters.
• After halftime, between the 51st and 55th minute, another 235 items followed – including rockets and smoke pots.
• Due to the thick smoke, the game had to be interrupted for three minutes, increasing the fine by 30 percent.
• In the second half, 39 more Bengalos or flares were ignited by Munich fans.

Control Committee Demanded Higher Penalty

On June 30, the DFB control committee imposed a mega-fine of €377,100 on FC Bayern via email. The record sum resulted from the calculation of pyro offenses (€1,000 per ignited item, €3,000 per launched article) plus the surcharge for the game delay. The German record champions filed an objection against this.

The protocol stated: "The exceptionally high number of ignited pyrotechnic items is a consequence of a systemic failure of the entry controls for which the DFB is responsible. This should be considered as a mitigating factor."

Stuttgart also rejected the penalty of €365,000 previously demanded by the control committee for at least 319 pyrotechnic items.

Reduced Fines and Security Measures

The DFB sports court partially followed the arguments of both Bayern and Stuttgart. The fine was reduced by more than €100,000. Additionally, both clubs are permitted to use €86,700 of the total fine by December 31 for their own security or violence prevention measures.

Previous Incidents

This is not the first time this season that Bayern fans have caused trouble with pyrotechnics. UEFA imposed a partial closure of the South Curve (4,800 seats in blocks 111 to 114) on the club for the next Champions League home game due to the massive burning of pyrotechnics during the match against Sporting Lisbon (3-1) in December 2025. The club itself took even harsher action and closed the area for that game.