Dortmund return to profit for first time since pandemic

Bundesliga football club Borussia Dortmund managed a profit for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic, annual figures showed on Monday, reported dpa.

At the end of the 2022-23 financial year (to June 30), the listed company made a profit of €9.5 million. In the comparable period of 2021-22, there was still a loss of just under €31.9 million.

The coronavirus pandemic - which shut down stadiums for months at a time - cost the club a total of €150 million, chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke told a news conference on Monday.

"We have always said that when we have this behind us, we will find our way back to our old strength. We have delivered."

In terms of sales, with transfer revenue for star striker Erling Haaland and defender Manuel Akanji from Manchester City included, there was an increase of 12% to €515.4 million.

The transfer of midfielder Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid for more than €100 million will only appear in the 2023/2024 balance sheet.

Watzke, whose side narrowly lost out on the Bundesliga title to Bayern Munich last season, expressed confidence that dividends will again be distributed to shareholders next year.

"We have left the years of gloom behind us," Watzke said.