End looms for Leipzig
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Article summary
Germany's first-ever league champions, VfB Leipzig, will be disbanded at the end of the season due to debts.
Article body
In freefall
Leipzig won the inaugural German title in 1903 and went on to claim further championships in 1906 and 1913. The club also played in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final in 1986/87, losing to AFC Ajax. However, after a single season in the Bundesliga in 1993/1994, they dropped to the Oberliga or fourth division.
Millions in debt
After racking up total debts of around €4.8m in the last four years, the club will be wound up in the summer. "We can finish the season but there is no hope of saving the club after that," said Friedbert Striewe, who has been in charge since the club went into administration earlier this season.
