Departure of Investor Ismaik Marks the Conclusion of a Tumultuous Period for Munich's 1860 Club
TSV 1860 Munich Steps into a New Era with Swiss Investment
TSV 1860 Munich, the beloved German football club, is set to embark on a new journey under the ownership of a Swiss family holding company. This change marks the end of an era for the club, as Jordanian investor Hasan Ismaik, who held a 60% stake since 2011, steps down after 14 years.
Ismaik's departure comes after he announced his intention to sell his shares in April 2023. His tenure was marked by both triumphs and challenges, including preventing bankruptcy in 2011 and securing the club's return to the Grünwalder Stadium in 2017. However, his refusal to pay eleven million euros led to the "Lions" being relegated from the 2nd Bundesliga in spring 2017 and eventually dropping to the Regionalliga.
The new Swiss investors have expressed a commitment to the club, the city of Munich, and its inhabitants. Their plans for the club include ensuring a debt-free future, except for loans related to the current season's license, and accelerating necessary stadium renovations to meet DFL guidelines. They aim to make the Grünwalder Stadium their permanent home and have plans to build a modern sports hall near the training center.
The club's ambition is evident in their push for promotion to the 2. Bundesliga by the 2025/26 season. This goal is supported by significant squad improvements, including high-profile player signings like Kevin Volland and Florian Niederlechner this summer, and the acquisition of striker Sigurd Haugen from Hansa Rostock.
The sale of Ismaik's shares to the Swiss family holding is expected to be completed next week. The debate about the Sechzigers staying in the stadium after a promotion without having to move again has been ongoing for years. However, with the new investors' commitment to renovating the Grünwalder Stadium, this issue may find a resolution.
Some fans celebrated Ismaik's departure with a small firework display near the Grünwalder Stadium, signalling a hope for a new era of success for TSV 1860 Munich. Under the new ownership, the club plans to promote grassroots sports and build a new hall near the club's premises, further cementing its place in the heart of Munich's football community.
Ismaik, in his farewell, has stated that leaving TSV 1860 Munich debt-free is a "wonderful success story." The club's new chapter promises to be an exciting one, with the potential for qualification for the Champions League, return to the Bundesliga, and future matches against the giants of world football.
The Swiss family holding company, new investors of TSV 1860 Munich, have plans to invest in the club's real-estate, specifically the Grünwalder Stadium, aiming to make it their permanent home and build a modern sports hall nearby. In the realm of finance, they aim to ensure a debt-free future for the club, except for necessary loans related to the current season's license. As for sports, the club is aiming to qualify for European leagues, with the ambition to compete in the Champions League, return to the Bundesliga, and face giants of world football.
