Despite protests from their own fans, FSV Mainz 05 is holding on to the controversial friendly against Newcastle United on July 18 in Kufstein as planned.
This decision was made by the club's management, the Bundesliga club announced on Tuesday.
Mainz fans, including the Supporters fan association, had called for the friendly to be canceled due to Newcastle's ownership structure with a Saudi Arabian consortium.
The club wants to talk to the critical fan representatives.
Saudi Arabia has been criticized for human rights abuses.
"Can't do without this test match"
According to club boss Stefan Hofmann, "an agreement was reached on this game after weighing the different perspectives and in the absence of an alternative opponent who was not available at this level and at this time." The reaction of some fans would not have been in this form expected.
"From a sporting perspective, we can't do without this test match," said sporting director Christian Heidel.
A unilateral cancellation, as demanded by fans, is unthinkable, as this would have "serious legal and economic consequences" due to the contractual obligations.
When it came to dealing with the planned test match, those responsible perceived “a differentiated opinion” within the club, it said.
The discussions would therefore be used as an opportunity to discuss the club's basic position at a meeting with fan representatives.