Whistleblower system

Compliance with laws, rules and internal requirements is a top priority at TSG Hoffenheim. It is important to us to learn, to grow and to develop together. To that end, we have implemented a whistleblower system.

Although it is not out of the ordinary when several people are involved that bad behaviour can occasionally occur, it is possible that individuals intentionally or unintentionally violate legal regulations or our club's values (e.g. diversity, equality and inclusion) and thereby harm the club or third parties. Our goal is to investigate such incidents and then improve them together with all parties involved and for the benefit of all.

An important first step, therefore, is that we are informed of any breaches of the rules when they occur. The whistleblower system makes it possible to report potential violations and legally relevant misconduct. In this way, we simultaneously implement the requirements of the German Football League's (DFL) sustainability directive, which provides for an independent and accessible reporting system for allegations of discrimination.

As a future, current or former employee of TSG Hoffenheim, you can contact us in confidence at any time if legal matters arise that concern TSG Hoffenheim. This also applies explicitly to volunteers and to our fans in the event of incidents at the stadium. We also provide young players with an anonymous point of contact, especially in the event of incidents of bullying, discrimination, racism or similar misconduct.

In addition, our whistleblower system is available to all persons who would like to provide us with information regarding possible legal maladministration in the club or the wider environment of the club, be it as a business partner or sponsor.

However, the whistleblower system must not be misused for false accusations. Reporting knowingly false information is prohibited and may result in prosecution.

If you have become aware of any violation of the rules, you can send a report by email to whistleblower@tsg-hoffenheim.de. All messages will be treated as strictly confidential. Upon receipt of the report, our whistleblowing office will process it in compliance with all necessary procedural principles. In order to process cases and, if necessary, initiate appropriate investigation measures, dialogue with whistleblowers is often necessary. It is therefore important that the report be as specific as possible. It is helpful if you consider the following five questions when reporting:

Who? – Who does it relate to? Who is affected?
What? – What has happened? Describe the facts of the case.
When? – When was the incident?
How? – How often did it happen?
Where? – Where did the incident happen?

We see ourselves as an open club, for whom clear and transparent communication is important. We would be happy if you contact us openly and include your name, but this is not mandatory. Anonymous reports are also welcome. You can clarify the details of anonymity with the whistleblowing office in confidence. Information on data protection can be found in the privacy policy.

In addition, the external reporting office of the Federal Office of Justice can also be contacted here.