Mainz express frustration over DFB-Pokal scheduling clash

Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel has criticised the DFB following the confirmation of the club’s DFB-Pokal first round fixture.

The match, away to Dynamo Dresden, will take place on Monday, August 18th at 18:00 CET, just three days before Mainz are due to play the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League play-off.

Heidel called the decision “frustrating” and “highly unfavourable,” pointing to the tight early-season schedule, which will see Mainz play five competitive matches in just 14 days. The short recovery window before a crucial European fixture has left the club disappointed.

According to Mainz, the DFB cited safety concerns due to Dresden’s annual city festival “Canaletto” as the reason behind the late Monday scheduling.

Despite efforts to appeal the decision through various channels, including political intervention, the club was unable to secure a change. “Unfortunately, we were told a parallel event was no longer feasible, unlike last year when Dresden hosted their Pokal match on Sunday evening,” Heidel said. “We have to accept it now and make the best of the situation.”

Mainz aren’t alone in being affected by Monday fixtures. Preußen Münster will host Hertha BSC at the same time, also due to a local festival. Fortuna Düsseldorf’s tie at Schweinfurt has also been pushed to Monday evening, with the second-division side labelling the decision “unbelievable” on social media.

Still, Mainz are the only club facing a European play-off match in the same week. The UEFA draw on August 4th will determine both the opponent and whether Mainz will need to travel, adding potential further complications to an already packed schedule.