German club FC Schalke have confirmed that an inquiry has been opened after a man was found deceased at their venue. The individual, 65, was located by a cleaner in the restrooms at the VELTINS-Arena on Thursday.
The finding was made during a standard check of the restroom areas, with law enforcement summoned. Officers promptly responded and sealed off the location as an investigation commenced.
German publication Bild have reported that it's believed that the man had experienced a medical emergency before losing consciousness. It is also reported that he was attending an event at the stadium on Wednesday before he was discovered a day later.
There is currently no indication that there is any criminal involvement, although questions are being raised as to why no one noticed the man was absent until his body was found the next day. It is reported that the man was a resident from Gelsenkirchen, as per The Mirror.
A statement from Schalke regarding the incident read: "FC Schalke 04 reacted with great dismay on Thursday to the news that a deceased person was found in a restroom at the VELTINS-Arena. Schalke 04 expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved.
"The investigation into the circumstances of his death is ongoing, and the club refers inquiries to the responsible police authority.
"At this time, Schalke 04 will therefore not release any further information. The club is supporting the relevant authorities in their investigation with all available means."
Schalke currently sit top of Germany's second division following their Bundesliga relegation in 2023. Their last home game was a 4-1 victory over Preussen Munster on Sunday, April 19.
Schalke beat Paderborn 3-2 on Sunday and are set to return to the VELTINS-Arena on Saturday to host Düsseldorf. The German side will then have one remaining home game this season, a final-day showdown against Eintracht Braunschweig.
Schalke have called their current stadium home since August 2001, previously having played their matches at the Parkstadion. The venue currently holds a capacity of 62,271.
The arena served as a host venue for four matches during the 2024 UEFA European Championships, including England's group stage encounter with Serbia, Spain's showdown with Italy, and Georgia's game against Portugal. England subsequently returned to the VELTINS-Arena, where the Three Lions defeated Slovakia.