What a way to start a new job! Wolfsburg are kicked OUT of the German Cup despite beating fourth-tier side after Mark van Bommel made too many substitutions in extra-time… in his first game as boss
- Wolfsburg have been kicked out of the German Cup after breaking the rules
- The Bundesliga side beat fourth tier opponents Preussen Munster 3-1
- But new boss Mark van Bommel made too many substitutions in extra-time
- He made a total of six changes but was only permitted to make five
Wolfsburg have been thrown out of the German Cup for making too many substitutions during their first-round victory over Preussen Munster in a nightmare start to the job for new manager Mark van Bommel.
The Bundesliga club needed extra-time to beat their opponents on August 8, with Josip Brekalo equalising in the final minute after Marcel Hoffmeier had put the fourth-tier side ahead.
Goals from Wout Weghorst and Ridle Baku went on to give Wolfsburg a 3-1 victory in extra-time but the German Football Federation announced on Monday that they had overturned the result and awarded a 2-0 win to Munster.
Wolfsburg have been thrown out of the German Cup for making too many substitutions during their first-round victory over Preussen Munster
The Bundesliga side had come from behind to beat their fourth-tier opponents in extra-time
But new manager Mark van Bommel made six subsitutions instead of the permitted five
The decision was made due to Wolfsburg boss Van Bommel, who was taking charge of his first game, making six substitutions rather than the permitted five.
Stephan Oberholz, deputy chairman of the sports court, said: ‘The clubs themselves are responsible for substitutions. One of their basic duties is to find out about substitution options and to act accordingly.
‘Wolfsburg violated this duty and thus carelessly and avoidably committed the central error by making the illegal sixth substitution.’
Bommel made three substitutions in 90 minutes then another three in extra-time but the rules state only two extra changes can be made after full-time.
The German FA announced they had overturned the result to a 2-0 win for Preussen Munster
Oberholz said Wolfsburg could not blame the mistake on the referees who allowed the substitution becuase ‘the central initial error is the club’s fault’.
Munster are set to play in the second round but Wolfsburg have insisted they will continue to challenge the ruling.
‘We don’t agree with the decision and will now check legal options,’ Wolfsburg chief executive Tim Schumacher said.
The club have attempted to make light of the situation by offering fans who bought five tickets for their Bundesliga game with Bochum a sixth ticket for free.