Klaus Fichtel
German defender who played for Schalke 04 and Werder Bremen, and earned 23 caps for West Germany.
Klaus Fichtel (born 19 November 1944) is a German former professional footballer who played as a defender for Schalke 04 and Werder Bremen. He made 23 appearances for the West Germany national team.
Quick Facts
- Match date
- April 17
Lore & Background
Fichtel was born in Castrop-Rauxel, Province of Westphalia. He began his career with FC Schalke 04 and after four years with SV Werder Bremen he returned to Schalke. In total he played 552 games (14 goals) in the Bundesliga. In addition, he played 42 times in the 2. Bundesliga in one of his four years with SV Werder Bremen. Fichtel is the oldest player to appear in the Bundesliga, playing his last match at the age of 43 and a half years in May 1988. His 477 Bundesliga matches for Schalke 04 remain a club record. Fichtel won 23 caps in four years with West Germany between 1967 and 1971, scoring one goal against Scotland in 1969. He was part of the West German squad at the 1970 FIFA World Cup, playing in five matches during the tournament.
Reader's Guide
Klaus Fichtel played as a defender. He made 552 Bundesliga appearances (14 goals) and 42 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga. He earned 23 caps for West Germany, scoring one goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did Klaus Fichtel play in the 1971 scandal?
Fichtel was accused alongside teammates Klaus Fischer and Stan Libuda of accepting bribes to deliberately lose matches for Schalke 04. Investigators specifically cited a rigged game against Arminia Bielefeld on May 17, where Schalke lost 0–1 as part of the fix.
How did the authorities punish Klaus Fichtel?
Initially, investigators banned Fichtel from football for life after finding evidence that he had thrown the match against Arminia Bielefeld. However, this severe punishment was later commuted to a suspension lasting between six months and two years.
More in Stadium & Culture
Elsewhere in Borussia Monchengladbach
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced