TSV Havelse and Mainz 05 agree to play DFB-Pokal match in Mainz

TSV Havelse and Mainz 05 have agreed to switch the venue for the first-round DFB-Pokal tie. Both clubs made the joint decision on Tuesday evening. The game between the Lower Saxony cup winners and the Bundesliga outfit will now be played at the OPEL Arena between the 11th and 14th September. Switching the venue isn’t normally allowed, however circumstances have changed due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Sporting director Rouven Schröder commented: “TSV Havelse came to us with the desire to switch the venue due to the huge effort they would have to go to in order to play the game at home. We granted their request and we found a solution which helps both clubs. Unfortunately, with the current restrictions and no fans at games this was a necessary decision. As a footballer, I do really sorry for them , as the lower-league clubs playing big sides at home in front of big crowds is something that makes the DFB-Pokal so interesting.”