Foto: Eibner 16.10.2025 / English
Thank you and all the best, Rüdiger Fritsch!
For the past 13 years, he has undoubtedly been the face of SV Darmstadt 98. Rüdiger Fritsch is no longer running for the position of president of the Lilien. The results of his tenure can be divided into three distinct areas: the sporting, the financial, and the structural. All three areas can no longer be compared to the state of the club in 2012, when Fritsch took over as successor to Hans Kessler.
Under Fritsch’s leadership, the club successfully transformed from a third-division team threatened by relegation to an ambitious second-division club, with highlights including promotions to the Bundesliga and staying there. Once plagued by debts running into millions, SV 98 now presents itself as a recovered and financially sound organisation. Under Fritsch’s leadership, the club’s revenue increased tenfold from just under five to almost 50 million euros. But the Lilies are no longer a small business, not only as taxpayers but also as employers, with around 350 employees now employed at and around the Böllenfalltor stadium, not just 80.
The progress on Nieder-Ramstädter Straße is particularly striking when looking at the stadium, which is now unrecognisable. No wonder, since SV 98 has invested heavily in “stone” in recent years: stadium reconstruction and renovation, functional buildings, training grounds and the Merck Youth Performance Center (NLZ) were the focus here.
Rüdiger Fritsch can now say goodbye with satisfaction to a position that has taken a great deal of energy: „It certainly wasn’t a constant party, but often a burden, definitely hard work and a lot of stress!“ He is now most looking forward to an improvement in his quality of life: „I will enjoy planning my leisure time and vacations without having to worry about the DFL schedule.“ His term on the DFL Supervisory Board has already ended, and the 64-year-old lawyer will continue his work as a commercial lawyer in a Frankfurt law firm.
Thus, Rüdiger Fritsch’s journey from former midfield mastermind of the then regional league team TSV Heusenstamm to a nationally successful professional football official is coming full circle. After a break he has already announced, he will certainly be seen in the stands at SV 98 games at Böllenfalltor in the future. Members and fans of the Lilies will surely shout „Thank you, Rüdiger!“ to him. He deserves it!
Text: Club History Report
Foto: Eibner 
Foto: Eibner 
Foto: Alfred Harder 
Foto: Eibner 
Foto: Eibner 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
After the friendly match: Meet & Greet at the training camp
Attention Lilien fans: During SV Darmstadt 98’s training camp in Bad Wörishofen (Allgäu region)—taking place from July 19th to July 26th, 2026—there will once again be an opportunity to meet the team, chat with the players, and, of course, get autographs and photos. The fan meet-up is scheduled for Saturday, July 25th, following the friendly match against SG Sonnenhof Großaspach. Kick-off for the match is at 12pm.
Transfer News: Lannert Becomes Part of the Lilies
SV 98 remains active in the transfer market. The "Lilies" have signed Christopher Lannert from Arminia Bielefeld.
Intensive Week of Friendlies | Media Day at the Bölle
Friendly matches, fundraising campaigns, and plenty of photos—that’s what the week looked like for SV 98 and the club’s community. Between their 5–1 victory over FC Homburg and the upcoming friendly in Walldorf this Friday (July 17), the „Lilies“ showed their best side for the cameras. In addition, the SV 98 legends team will face an Odenwald select squad on Sunday (July 19th). You can also win great prizes in competitions taking place in Erbach and at the pop-up store in downtown Darmstadt. Lilies Across the Board brings you all the latest news from life at SV 98.
Bundesliga Confirms Matchdays 3 to 6
The Bundesliga finalised the match schedules for matchdays three through six on Wednesday (July 15th): Darmstadt's home game against Hannover 96 on matchday three will take place on Sunday. This will be followed by their away game against 1. FC Kaiserslautern on Saturday at 1pm. The home game against Arminia Bielefeld on Friday evening and the away game in Wolfsburg, also on Friday evening, have also been confirmed.
Transfer News: Kleinhansl Signs for SV 98
The Lilies can welcome another new arrival at the Böllenfalltor: Florian Kleinhansl will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 25-year-old joins on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with 1. FC Kaiserslautern on June 30th.
Lilies continue their scoring spree
Third test, third clear victory. SV 98 won the match against FC 08 Homburg 5-1 (3-0).
Focused Energy becomes a premium partner of SV 98
SV Darmstadt 98 and the fusion energy company Focused Energy are entering into an official partnership. The aim of the collaboration is to more closely link top-level football and high technology from the Darmstadt region and to jointly generate momentum for innovation and future societal issues.
Transfer News: Corredor moves to Nantes
Killian Corredor will be playing in his home country again in the future. SV 98 has reached an agreement with FC Nantes on the transfer of the Frenchman.
Logistical information for the home match against Homburg
On Tuesday (July 14, 6pm), SV Darmstadt 98 hosts Regionalliga side FC Homburg and asks fans to take note of the following information.
Starting Wednesday: Member pre-sale for the first home match against Kiel
A home game against KSV! SV Darmstadt 98 hosts Holstein Kiel for the opening matchday of the 2. Bundesliga season this Saturday (August 8 at 1pm). Here’s how you can be there: the member pre-sale for the new season's first home game begins this coming Wednesday (July 15) at 12pm —available online and at the ticket shop at the Merck-Stadion, as usual. You can find all further details in this announcement.
Digital prize draw for the Krombacher BöllenfallTOR-Goal Bonus
For every home goal scored by the "Lilies," SV Darmstadt 98 fans were doubly rewarded during the recent 2025/26 second-division season. Beyond the joy and excitement, supporters received 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every goal Darmstadt scored at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
Reference: Report on TV revenues 26/27
In recent days, various media outlets have published reports and graphics regarding the distribution of TV revenue for the 2026/27 season. Some of these reports included not only specific figures but also a comparison to the previous season. This comparison indicates a supposed revenue increase of €1.4 million for SV 98 compared to the 2025/26 season.