RTL Today - Controversial proposal: Wiltz councillor calls for reduction in football club funding following post-match brawl

In response to a violent confrontation after a football match, a DP councillor from Wiltz has suggested cutting the municipality's annual funding to FC Wolz 71, suggesting that a portion of those funds be distributed to other local sports clubs.

Following a recent physical altercation after a football match between FC Wolz 71 and Progrès Nidderkuer, a Democratic Party (DP) councillor in Wiltz has proposed reallocating part of the municipality's financial support for the local football club to other sports clubs.

The brawl, which took place last weekend in the BGL League, involved players from both clubs. In response, Paul Phillip, President of the Luxembourg Football Federation (FLF), sent a letter to club presidents, warning that violence both on and off the field damages the reputation of the sport. The incident also prompted reactions from local politicians, including a call from Wiltz Councillor Maurice Muller to reduce FC Wolz 71's funding.

In a post on his Facebook page, Muller criticised the club, stating that the "bright red" football team should be "ashamed." The reference to the colour likely alludes to FC Wolz 71's president, Michael Schenk, who is also a local councillor representing the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP).

Muller further suggested that the municipality reduce its annual financial support to FC Wolz 71, currently €400,000, by one third, and redirect the funds to other sports clubs. His criticism was also specifically aimed at the LSAP, likely due to Schenk's affiliation with the party.

"Clubs should remain politically independent"

Michael Schenk dismissed the suggestion that the club is linked to the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP), calling it "absolute nonsense." Schenk emphasised that the club's executive board includes members from various political parties, including the Christian Social People's Party (CSV), the Democratic Party (DP), and the Green Party (Déi Gréng). He stressed that, in his view, local associations–whether sports clubs or otherwise–should remain politically independent, allowing everyone to participate in the life of the club regardless of political affiliation.

Schenk also expressed confusion over the call to reduce the club's financial support by one third. He explained that in Wiltz, all clubs involved in youth development and employing qualified trainers receive subsidies from the municipality. These clubs must submit certified lists from the federation, detailing the licences of children under 18. Schenk emphasised that "every club is treated the same," and clarified that the financial support does not solely benefit the club itself but is also used for the maintenance of the pitches and the overall upkeep of the site.

Maurice Muller "does not speak for the CSV-DP majority"

Wiltz is currently governed by a coalition between the CSV and the DP. However, CSV Mayor Carole Weigel was quick to clarify that Maurice Muller's remarks do not reflect the position of the governing majority.

Weigel explained that Muller made his statements in a personal capacity on Facebook, not as an official representative of the municipality. She emphasised that while Muller is free to express his views as a private individual, his comments should not be interpreted as the stance of the municipal government. The Mayor also personally rejected the notion that football is being favoured over other sports clubs.

FC Wolz 71 declines to issue written statement on recent incident

Mayor Carole Weigel emphasised the municipality's commitment to supporting various sports clubs, noting that Wiltz has invested in several projects over the past year. This includes the renovation of local tennis courts, providing a hall for two sports clubs, supplying table tennis equipment, and building a new hall for the local basketball team. "I believe this demonstrates our dedication to treating all clubs equally in our municipality," Weigel said.

When approached by our colleagues from RTL Radio for an interview, Maurice Muller declined to comment directly. However, he did provide a written statement explaining that his post was intended to prompt a review and discussion of how the municipality allocates funds to clubs. Muller emphasised the need for full transparency in the process. As an example, he suggested that cleaning services should be outsourced to external companies. Only if outsourcing is not feasible, he argued, should the municipality or the club consider employing a staff member.

Muller also called for FC Wolz 71 to issue a written statement distancing itself from the incidents during the match against Niedercorn. However, according to club president Michael Schenk, no such statement will be made at this time, as the FLF is still investigating the matter through its association court.

The €400,000 annual subsidy FC Wolz 71 receives from the municipality covers all expenses, including the maintenance of the pitches.