Frankfurt hold fire over appeal

Eintracht Frankfurt will take their time to consider an appeal against a partial stadium closure for the opening game of next season.

The German Football Association (DFB) earlier this week sanctioned a capacity restriction of only 20,000 for Frankfurt's first game back in the top flight next season due to recurrent crowd problems last season.

Of that capacity, 5,000 tickets will be sold to visiting fans while all standing areas of the Waldstadion will remain closed.

Frankfurt have until next Monday to appeal the decision and they have made it clear they will use the time they have to explore all avenues.

"It is a highly-complex problem and we would be well advised to consider it fully in calm and, when the time comes, give precise explanations, also to ensure the factual situation is reflected in the public debate," said Frankfurt's chairman Heribert Bruchhagen in a statement.

"Therefore, we will take our time until the start of next week and not give updates about our considerations."

The financial loss of not being able to welcome fans into the 51,500-capacity stadium would be a major blow to the club, in addition to a fine of 50,000 euros which the DFB have also sanctioned.