Chairman of German Football Club Charged in Violent Video Case
Marcel Moberz, the chairman of German football club Alemannia Aachen, has stepped down from his position amidst an ongoing investigation into his alleged involvement in a disturbing video depicting a brutal assault.
Allegations and Investigation
The Aachen public prosecutor’s office is investigating Moberz on charges of distributing a video containing extreme violence. The video reportedly shows a scene from Aachen’s red-light district, where a man was severely beaten and sustained life-threatening injuries.
The accusations stem from the indictment against Kevin Polz, a known hooligan associated with Alemannia Aachen. Polz allegedly sent the video to Moberz via WhatsApp, and the indictment alleges that Moberz praised the violence depicted in the video.
Conflicting Statements and Altered Press Release
Moberz initially denied endorsing the violence in the video but later made contradictory statements. Initially, he told a local newspaper that he had only briefly viewed the video. However, a subsequent statement released by the club claimed that he had not seen it at all.
Upon further investigation, the authorities found that Moberz’s alleged actions were more serious than initially believed. In a voice message to Polz, Moberz is said to have described the victim’s recovery efforts with gruesome detail.
Escalating Pressure
The ongoing investigation and Moberz’s contradictory statements have drawn intense scrutiny from the media, fans, and local politicians. Multiple sponsors have threatened to withdraw their support if the club retains Moberz as chairman.
Boardroom Turmoil
In the wake of the scandal, not only Moberz but also the chairman of the club’s administrative board, Dieter Lübbers, has stepped down. Lübbers is also facing charges related to allegedly planning to hire Polz as an enforcer.
Contradiction from Head Coach
Alemannia Aachen’s head coach, Heiner Backhaus, has also been implicated in the case. While Backhaus claims he did not watch the video and only responded to a text message from Polz, the indictment suggests otherwise.
Chairman’s Future Uncertain
Moberz’s future at Alemannia Aachen remains uncertain. While he has stepped down from his position, he remains a member of the supervisory board and reportedly intends to continue attending meetings. Critics have accused the club of a "sham" maneuver.
Impact on the Club
The ongoing investigation has cast a shadow over Alemannia Aachen and its reputation. The club’s credibility has been called into question, and its ability to retain sponsors and support from the community is at risk.
Ongoing Process
The trial against Kevin Polz is scheduled to begin on February 13. Both Backhaus and Moberz are expected to testify as witnesses. The outcome of the trial and the ongoing investigation will likely have a significant impact on the future of Alemannia Aachen and its leadership.
