Footballer arrested on suspicion of ‘fatally poisoning’ teammate

A 35-year-old man was arrested on Monday (7 September).

Per SPORTbible: "The incident involved players from amateur German club TuS Rockenberg, with the team taking a trip to Dresden, Germany, to celebrate the end of the season.

In June 2025, a 30-year-old man was taken to hospital and died after his health suddenly deteriorated following a team trip to Dresden, as detailed in a report from local German outlet Osthessen News.

An investigation was initially launched after an autopsy, followed by extensive toxicological examinations at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Giessen, "raised suspicions of poisoning," according to the report.

"The septic multiple organ failure from which the 30-year-old died was a consequence of this poisoning," it continues.

Following on from that discovery, investigators in the region began to seriously consider the possibility of a "homicide" and according to Osthessen News' report, "a personal motive of revenge may have been behind the crime."

This eventually lead to this week's arrest, with special police forces arresting a 35-year-old from the region of Wetterau in Hesse, Germany.

The report adds: "[Translated from German] Investigators have not yet released information about the substance allegedly administered to the 30-year-old, how it entered his body, or the precise motive for the suspected revenge attack. "

Further updates regarding the case are expected to be made available soon.

Earlier this week, TuS Rockenberg made the following statement: "After we had to come to terms with the sudden death of our teammate in the football department last year, the events of last Tuesday have once again left us speechless.

"At present, none of us can comprehend this further devastating blow. We are now placing our hope in the work of the authorities and trust that the incident will be fully investigated.

"Due to the extremely emotionally distressing situation for everyone involved at our club, we will not comment on the ongoing investigation. We therefore urgently and politely ask that players, coaches and members of the board not be contacted with enquiries.

"Thank you very much for your understanding.”