DFB-Bundesgericht reduces suspension of coach Antwerpen - Football coaches win partial victory in match-fixing dispute with VfL Osnabrück
A legal dispute involving two football coaches and VfL Osnabrück has taken a new turn after a court reduced one suspension and overturned another. The case centres on allegations of attempted match manipulation during the Lower Saxony Cup final on 24 May. Both Marco Antwerpen and Frank Döpper, formerly of VfL Osnabrück, are now pursuing legal action against the club.
The controversy began after the Lower Saxony Cup final in late May. Antwerpen, then head coach, was accused of instructing a player to sit out the match, allegedly to influence the opponent’s lineup. VfL Osnabrück responded by terminating the contracts of both Antwerpen and his assistant, Frank Döpper.
The German Football Association (DFB) initially suspended Antwerpen for twelve months. However, the DFB Federal Court later reduced this ban to three months. Meanwhile, the suspension of Döpper was fully overturned after the tribunal found no evidence to support the claims.
Witness testimonies presented during the hearings failed to prove deliberate manipulation. The court also criticised Antwerpen for not recognising how his words could be misinterpreted. Despite this, the allegations were ultimately deemed unproven.
Both coaches have since filed lawsuits against VfL Osnabrück at Osnabrück Labour Court. Proceedings are scheduled to begin in December at the District Court of Osnabrück.
The rulings mean Antwerpen’s suspension now ends in three months, while Döpper faces no further penalties. The upcoming labour court case will determine whether VfL Osnabrück’s decision to dismiss the pair was justified. A final resolution is expected after the December hearings.
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