News Focus
- TSV 1860 München cancel partnership with investor Hasan Ismaik and HAM International
- Club failed to provide €2.7 million proof of funds, losing their 3. Liga licence
- Die Löwen face automatic relegation to the fourth-tier Regionalliga
- Kuwait-born Ismaik bought 60% stake for €18 million in 2011 but refused recent debt cover
- Supporters expected to back the decision after months of financial uncertainty
TSV 1860 München have officially ended their 13-year partnership with investor Hasan Ismaik. The German club announced the decision on the evening of 4 June following weeks of financial disputes.
Earlier this week, officials at the Bavarian side revealed that Ismaik had failed to meet his legal duty to fund daily operations. The club could not show proof of €2.7 million in available cash. German football authorities therefore refused to grant them a licence for the 3. Liga. As a result, the team will drop down to the Regionalliga next season.
Ismaik first joined the Munich club in May 2011. The Kuwait-born businessman paid €18 million for a 60 percent stake when Die Löwen played in the fourth division. His purchase marked the first time an Arab investor had bought shares in a German football club. The 48-year-old originally promised to protect the struggling club from collapse.
However, relations have turned sour in recent months. Ismaik recently stated he would not pay the club’s debts even if they entered administration. This refusal angered supporters. Many fans will now welcome the news that the club has torn up the contract with the controversial investor.