Christina Rühl-Hamers agrees long-term extension with FC Schalke 04

The business graduate, tax advisor and certified public accountant has been part of the club’s governing body since October 2020, helping the Royal Blues successfully navigate their way through periods of financial difficulty. In recent years, the club have been able to decrease their total liabilities from around €238 million (as of 30th June 2021) to €150 million (31st December 2024) – a trend which looks set to continue. Since 31st December 2020, the net debt has also been able to be reduced from €148 million to €113 million. Both figures are therefore at, or even below, pre-COVID levels. The return to profitability required to comply with the DFL’s net equity rules has also been achieved.

Axel Hefer, chairman of the supervisory board, said: “Christina is the constant presence on our board; she has experienced both highs and lows with Schalke 04. Her wealth of experience and her undisputed professional knowledge are of immense value to the club. We have been able to initiate several important financial processes over the last years, which has allowed us to now look to the future with confidence and optimism. Key milestones in this process have been the creation of the Registered Cooperative Society, as well as the refinancing of the corporate bonds. Our supervisory board is convinced that we have the right person for the job in Christina. We are delighted that she will continue to work together with Matthias Tillmann and Frank Baumann.”

Continuing on this path as part of this team was the deciding factor in Rühl-Hamers’ decision to extend her contract. “Firstly, I would like to thank the supervisory board for their renewed trust in me,” she said. “After difficult, and at times frustrating, times for our fans, I can confidently say that we are nearing a turning point in terms of our club finances. Now, it’s about continuing on the course we have set for ourselves – in 2026, the scheduled depreciation of the VELTINS-Arena will come to an end after 25 years, which will give us some breathing space in terms of equity capital. By taking further measures we want to provide Schalke with with ability to make necessary investments in several areas of the club. We are tackling these areas with energy and full motivation. I am looking forward to continuing to work together with Matthias, Frank and all our other colleagues at S04.”