Fotos: SV 98 24.09.2025 / English
An evening of community celebration
“What makes this club special?” It was a big, meaningful question that Hans Kessler posed at this year’s SV Darmstadt 98 honourary evening. The honourary president’s answer couldn’t have been clearer in this circle. It was the fans, members and the community in the city. It was “the values that have connected so many people over the years. That we do something together, experience something together.” Seen in this light, this evening (September 23rd) and the company in the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor couldn’t have been more appropriate. Over 150 people who hold the Lily loyal to their hearts had gathered in the ENTEGA VIP lounge at the invitation of SV 98. Volunteers and those who volunteer to help who loyally support the club. And members who have been registered with the club for decades.
On behalf of the entire club, Roy Reinelt-Peter, head of the fan and support department, thanked those who are involved at SV 98: „Thank you for being there. Thank you for not hesitating for a second every time we ask for support and for giving us your time and energy around SV Darmstadt 98 games.“ A total of over 150 volunteers work for the Lilies in 41 teams, and the number is growing. Reinelt-Peter: „Volunteering is a driving force at SV Darmstadt 98.“
After an extensive catering break, the focus shifted to the members being honoured. Club President Rüdiger Fritsch recognised a total of 30 loyal Lilies for their 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th, and 75th years of membership. He was supported in the awards ceremony by Lilien professionals Fabian Holland, Fraser Hornby and Hiroki Akiyama, who presented certificates and badges of honour to the club members.
Fritsch also took the opportunity to thank those present for their support during his presidency, which, as is well known, ends on October 21. Fritsch said: „I believe that we, as the Lilien family, have had a wonderful time together at SV Darmstadt 98. I thank you for the support, trust, and respect I have received from you.“ Volunteers and members paid their respects to the 64-year-old with sustained applause. This example also demonstrated that it was a mutual evening of honour.
SV 98 would like to thank everyone who has been loyal to SV 98 in many different ways for many years and decades!
Fotos: SV 98 
Merck Autograph Session: With Pfeiffer, Klefisch and Lakenmacher
Autographs, photos, and personal encounters with the Lilies: You'll have the opportunity to do so on Thursday (May 7th) from 5pm to 6pm. As part of an autograph session presented by Merck, Patric Pfeiffer, Kai Klefisch, and Fynn Lakenmacher will be at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. You'll also receive a ten percent discount in the fan shop during this time.
Disappointment & pride
Darmstadt's 2-1 defeat at Karlsruher SC also ended any remaining theoretical hopes the South Hessian club had of finishing the season in the top three. The loss at the Wildpark stadium served somewhat as a symbol for the past few weeks, during which SV 98 had only managed one point from five matches since the international break in March. Following the game on Sunday afternoon, the Darmstadt players addressed the assembled media representatives with mixed feelings.
Merx hat trick: U21 deservedly wins at Hünfelder SV
Three points! SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team secured a victory in the Lotto Hessenliga on Saturday afternoon (May 2nd). In their match against Hünfelder SV, the young Lilies overcame an early deficit to clinch a convincing 3-1 win. This result puts the U21 team currently outside the relegation zone. "Our trend is clearly upward," said a delighted U21 coach Sebastian Schmitt.
HBRS and SV 98: Cooperation extended indefinitely
The successful collaboration between the Hessian Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association (HBRS) and SV Darmstadt 98 will continue long-term: Both partners have extended their existing agreement to promote inclusive sports indefinitely. This sends a clear signal for the sustainable development of inclusion and disability sports in Hesse.
„We must take the lead in the first half.“
A bitter end in Karlsruhe: After 90 entertaining minutes in which both teams sought salvation in attack, Darmstadt suffered a narrow defeat. The final score was 2-1 after a late goal from the home side, following Isac Lidberg's earlier equaliser. After the match, the players were particularly frustrated with the missed opportunities in the first half.
Lilies lose in Karlsruhe
The away form continues to be poor: SV 98 suffered a 2-1 (0-0) defeat against Karlsruher SC. Lidberg scored the equaliser for the team from southern Hesse in the 70th minute.
Team News: Five Changes in the Team
Darmstadt 98 visit Karlsruher SC on matchday 32 (May 3rd, 1:30 PM). Florian Kohfeldt has made five changes to his starting lineup. Killian Corredor replaces the injured Fraser Hornby, Aleksandar Vukotic comes in for the suspended Patric Pfeiffer, and Fabian Holland starts in place of Matej Maglica, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Merveille Papela and Niklas Schmidt also join the team, replacing Sergio Lopez and Yosuke Furukawa. In addition to Hornby, Pfeiffer, and Maglica, Darmstadt will also be without the injured Matthias Bader, Fabian Nürnberger, and Luca Marseiler.
Matchday Guide: All Information before KSC Game
Finally, the weekend is here, finally Sunday! On Sunday afternoon (May 3rd, 1:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will face Karlsruher SC away. What do the two coaches have to say about the match, who will be refereeing, and where can you watch it if you're not at the stadium? All the important information about the Lilies' 32nd matchday is compiled for you here in "Matchday Guide".
Paul Fernie extends his contract long-term and moves up to a management position.
Continuity in sporting management: SV Darmstadt 98 has extended Paul Fernie's contract early and for the long term. As part of the contract extension, the current sporting director will move into the club's management board and will now serve as managing director of sport.
„You’ve seen horses vomit before.“
Our head coach spoke at the press conference before the away game against Karlsruher SC (May 3rd/1:30pm) about the mental freshness of his team, the course of action for the remaining games and his coaching colleague, whose commitment to KSC will end after six years this season.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
Left hook, 'One hundred and eightyyyyyyy', and hand over the baton. Doesn't sound like football – and that's true. KSC is often associated with professional football, but with the sheer number of titles the club has won, it's worth looking beyond the pitch. Titles from Baden-Württemberg to Rome.
U21: A Herculean effort whilst down to 10 men wasn’t enough
In a rescheduled Lotto Hessenliga match, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team hosted SV Hummetroth at their youth academy on Wednesday evening (April 29th) but unfortunately came away empty-handed. Despite a spirited performance and playing with one man less, the score after 90 minutes was 3-1 in favour of Hummetroth.