German professional sport is in a state of excitement because of the federal government's energy saving regulation that came into force this Thursday and fears serious consequences.
“We are shocked.
It was intended that illuminated advertising should be switched off between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
In Berlin, however, there was obviously an editorial error, because the regulation now states that there must be no illuminated advertising from 10 p.m. to 4 p.m. the following day, ”reported Marc-Henrik Schmedt, managing director of the German handball champion SC Magdeburg, on Wednesday evening the Supercup against THW Kiel.
Advertising "economic basis" for the sport
Politicians are currently “apparently unwilling to correct this editorial error, which would mean that all of our service providers would be insolvent overnight,” said Schmedt, adding: “Football is also in a state of excitement that advertising in the Arenas, which our economic basis offers, can remain switched on.
HBL Managing Director Frank Bohmann is also concerned, as the advertising in the stadiums and halls in all major professional leagues is switched using LED technology.
"It's a story from the madhouse.
Two-thirds of the Handball Bundesliga is financed by sponsorship.
Of course that's not possible," he criticized the regulation in its current version.
“I hope that the mass has not yet been read.
We are working on it and have shown solidarity with all other major associations.
Not only from sport, but also from industry,” said Bohmann.
Even if the obvious error were to be corrected, the regulation could have serious repercussions - especially in football.
Most games in the Champions League, the international matches of the DFB selection or the Friday games in the Bundesliga all end after 10 p.m.
"Handball, football, ice hockey, basketball - everyone is affected," said Schmedt.