News Focus
- First-ever relegation for Wolfsburg from Germany’s top flight
- Lost 2-1 after extra time to SC Paderborn in the promotion-relegation playoff
- Club describes the drop as a ‘very difficult moment’ for fans and staff
- Ends a 27-year stay in the Bundesliga since joining in the 1997/98 season
- Club vows to analyse failures and rebuild trust with supporters
VfL Wolfsburg have dropped out of the Bundesliga for the first time in their history. The German club lost 2-1 after extra time to SC Paderborn in the promotion-relegation playoff on Monday. This defeat ends their 27-year stay in the top division.
The club issued a statement following the match. They called the relegation a ‘very difficult moment’ for supporters, employees, and partners. Officials admitted the team failed to meet its targets this season. They said finding the right words to express their feelings is not easy.
Wolfsburg joined the Bundesliga in the 1997/98 campaign. They had never faced the drop to the second tier until this playoff loss. The result means they will compete in the 2. Bundesliga next term.
The club sent a strong message of thanks to their fans. They praised supporters for standing by the team during home and away matches. ‘You backed us even when we gave very little in return,’ the statement read. Wolfsburg called this loyalty ‘first-class and worthy of the Bundesliga.’
The club also looked to the future with determination. They stressed the importance of unity between the team, the city, and the parent company. Officials promised to study this season’s errors with honesty. They vowed to take steps to regain trust and earn promotion back to the top flight.