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 
Defeat with Heart
Darmstadt 98 lost to Hannover 96 while playing with ten men and must continue to wait for their first win of this second division season. Read our analysis to find out what positives remain and why Darmstadt 98 had factored in setbacks on their chosen path.
Jonathan-Heimes-Platz officially opened
Around the time of the home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (August 30th), the Jonathan Heimes Square was officially inaugurated. Before kickoff, club president Markus Pfitzner and Martin Heimes, father of Jonathan Heimes, who died of cancer about ten years ago, gave speeches highlighting "Johnny's" importance and his commitment to people with cancer.
Running together to do good: “Run for ME/CFS”
The Lilien Team Marathon is not just about athletic performance and the shared experience around the Böllenfalltor stadium – but also about making a difference together.
Still undefeated
The SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team drew 2-2 (0-1) against SV Unter-Flockenbach. After a heated home game, the young Lilies had to settle for a frustrating, but ultimately deserved, draw. In this extremely balanced league, Patrick Kurt's team continues to grow week by week, gaining valuable experience.
“Our belief in this path is immense.”
An emotional match with many controversial moments unfolded on Sunday afternoon at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Ultimately, Darmstadt suffered their first home defeat of the young season. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you.
Outnumbered: Lilies Lose to 96ers
Tried everything, but to no avail: SV 98 came up short in their home game against Hannover 96. The final score was 1-0 (0-0) to the visitors, whilst the Lilies had to play with ten men after Vukotic was sent off in the 20th minute.
Team News: Three Changes in the Starting XI
Home game against Hannover! On matchday 3, Darmstadt 98 will host the ambitious Lower Saxons at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting lineup compared to the victory in Jena. Hiroki Akiyama replaces the suspended Kai Klefisch, while Nicolas Verkooijen (making his first start) and Yosuke Furukawa start in place of Carlo Sickinger and Manolo Merx.
Matchday Guide: All Information before the Hannover Game
Weekend, Lilies fever! On Sunday (August 30th/1:30pm), the Lilies have their third matchday on the schedule. Hannover 96, the club from the Lower Saxon capital, will be visiting the Bölle. What do the two head coaches have to say before kickoff? Who will be refereeing the match? And where can you watch the game? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the match against Hannover in our "Matchday Guide"
Transfer News: Mikelbrencis strengthens SV 98
One day before their home game against Hannover 96, Darmstadt 98 have announced another new signing. William Mikelbrencis will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 22-year-old Frenchman was under contract with Hamburger SV until June 30th.
“I’d be up for it”
In the press conference before the second home game of the still young season, our head coach spoke about, among other things, our team's attacking play and the past week. As usual, you can find the most important statements before the match against Hannover 96 (August 30th/1:30pm) here for you.
Opposition Check: Hannover 96
A second-division team on the Berlin Mount Olympus: Hannover 96 achieved something unique in 1992. On May 23, the Lower Saxony club defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach in the DFB Cup final, securing another major title in the club's history 38 years after their German championship win in 1954. Hannover became the first and, to this day, only "true" second-division team to win the DFB Cup, causing one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history.
