Dead body found inside football stadium’s toilet as statement released | Football | Sport
German club FC Schalke have confirmed that an investigation has been launched after a man was found dead at their stadium. The man, 65, was discovered by a cleaner in the toilets at the VELTINS-Arena on Thursday.
There is currently no indication of any criminal involvement, though questions are being raised as to why nobody noticed the man was missing until his body was found the next day. It is understood that the man was a local resident from Gelsenkirchen.
A statement from Schalke regarding the incident read: “FC Schalke 04 reacted with great dismay on Thursday to the news that a deceased person was found in a restroom at the VELTINS-Arena. Schalke 04 expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved.
“The investigation into the circumstances of his death is ongoing, and the club refers inquiries to the responsible police authority. At this time, Schalke 04 will therefore not release any further information. The club is supporting the relevant authorities in their investigation with all available means.”
Schalke currently top the second tier of German football following their relegation from the Bundesliga in 2023. They have not played a home fixture since a 4-1 victory against Preussen Munster on Sunday, April 19.
They are currently facing Paderborn on Sunday, before returning to the VELTINS-Arena in a week’s time to host Dusseldorf. The German club then have one remaining home fixture this season, with a match against Eintracht Braunschweig scheduled for the final day of the campaign.
Schalke have occupied their current ground since August 2001, having previously been based at the Parkstadion. The stadium presently holds a capacity of 62,271. It staged four matches during the 2024 European Championships, including England’s group stage encounter with Serbia, Spain’s showdown with Italy and Georgia’s clash against Portugal. England subsequently returned to the VELTINS-Arena as the Three Lions defeated Slovakia.
