German football club KFC Uerdingen auctioned the job of coaching
for one match over the internet site eBay in a bid to resolve
financial difficulties.
The cash-strapped former Bundesliga club, which were German Cup
winners in 1985, are trying to raise money to avoid insolvency.
Uerdingen, who now play in the regional fourth division, are
offering the coaching job for a match against Rot Weiss Oberhausen
on January 19 to the highest bidder.
Regular coach Aleksandar Ristic will act as co-trainer for the
friendly match.
The club says on its internet site the successful bidder will
experience the full range of coaching duties for 24 hours,
including the team's final training session, the tactical team talk
and immediate dismissal after the game.
It's not the first time the club has looked for original ways to
raise money.
Two years ago, a 33-year-old insurance salesman was able to buy
a place in the squad and played for three minutes in a friendly
against Bayern Munich.
Earlier in December, the club applied for the opening of
insolvency proceedings. Club chairman Ralf Houben said the club
needed political and business support in view of a budget shortfall
of some 250,000 euros (around US$360,000).
(Xinhua News Agency January 10, 2008)