President Fabian Drescher (photo X by Hertha Berlin)
The judicially complex situation of 777 Partners does not only concern Genoa as the Football Group, now in dissolution, involves a number of clubs. Recently, Hertha Berlin renewed its board of directors and the new president elected with a large majority is Fabian Drescher, a Berliner from Spandau who has always been a fan and already on the club’s bodies.
The Charlottenburg club is going through a bad period from a footballing and financial point of view as it sails around the middle of the league table and the debts are huge, even if less high than in the past. The financial director Ralf Huschen and the financial CEO Thomas Herrich – he confirmed to Kicker the absence of contacts with 777 Partners – have exposed a loss of 33.3 million euros, although Hertha Berlin has reduced the costs of 50 million euros, paid off debts of 37 and, as anticipated by Bild, pledged 40 million in TV rights. This deficit is also due to extraordinary write-downs on uncollected receivables from the investor 777 Partners and the sponsor CG Elementum for 9 million euros.
Overall, Hertha Berlin has to manage 57 million in debt, an insane figure for the German model and for a club that does not participate in UEFA competitions. President Drescher explained: «Our financial situation will continue to be the greatest challenge. However, we cannot continue to save until we destroy ourselves: we must increase revenues from the stadium, marketing, merchandising and transfer market. In four years I would like to see that we are more stable and in the Bundesliga. With the imminent bankruptcy of investor 777 Partners, the club may be forced to sell 78.8% of its shares. We are addressing this scenario with an internal working group, preparing for a possible change of ownership.”
In the spring, the blue and white club hopes that Berlin will give its approval for the construction of the new owned stadium near the Olympiastadion. And speaking of Olympiastadion, in the last home match the Hertha fans – close to those of Genoa – displayed yet another banner against the Americans who, in any case, guaranteed registration in the academy before the financial crash: «777 only at the casino! Against investors.” The holding has so far injected 75 million euros against the 100 million plan agreed and validated by the German Football Federation: 25 are missing which will never be given again. In addition to financial and on-field salvation, the company must also resolve the repayment of the 40 million bond issued in 2018 and renewed in 2023 with interest rates above 10%.
**Beyond increasing revenue streams, what structural changes within Hertha Berlin’s management and ownership model could help ensure long-term stability and prevent similar financial crises in the future?**
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: The Future of Hertha Berlin in Focus
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News, where we delve into the most pressing issues shaping the world of football. Today, we’re focusing on the turbulent situation surrounding Hertha Berlin, a club grappling with financial turmoil and the impending collapse of its investor, 777 Partners. To shed light on this complex situation, we are joined by two distinguished guests: [Guest 1 Name and Affiliation] and [Guest 2 Name and Affiliation]. We’re excited to hear their perspectives on the challenges facing Hertha Berlin and the potential paths forward.
**Section 1: The Financial Reality**
* The article highlights Hertha Berlin’s significant debt and the loss incurred due to write-downs on accounts receivable from 777 Partners. Guest 1, how severe is this financial situation, and what are the immediate consequences for the club?
* Guest 2, Hertha Berlin’s leadership has spoken about the need to increase revenue streams. What specific strategies could they implement, and how feasible are they in the current market climate?
**Section 2: The 777 Partners Dilemma**
* The article mentions that the bankruptcy of 777 Partners could force Hertha Berlin to sell a majority stake. What are the implications of such a scenario for the club’s identity and autonomy? [Guest 1]
* Guest 2, given 777 Partners’ track record with Genoa, what lessons can be learned, and how can Hertha Berlin ensure a more sustainable partnership with a future investor?
**Section 3: The Fan Perspective and the Road Ahead**
* The article highlights fan protests against 777 Partners. Guest 1, how strong is the fan voice in Hertha Berlin’s decision-making process, and how can the club bridge the gap between the fans and the ownership?
* Guest 2, looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of Hertha Berlin? What steps does the club need to take to regain financial stability and on-field success?
**Closing Remarks:**
We thank both our guests for their insightful commentary on this important topic. The situation at Hertha Berlin serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of football finance and the need for transparency and sustainability. As the club navigates these turbulent times, we will continue to follow their story closely and provide our readers with the latest developments.
We encourage our viewers to share their thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
