Munich 1860 to play without lion logo amid investor dispute

TSV 1860 Munich is set to begin its Regionalliga season with a temporary emblem, foregoing its well-known lion crest amidst a protracted trademark dispute with investor Hasan Ismaik. The club aims to distance itself from the controversial Ismaik, having recently established a new operating company.

Until the lion emblem can be fully reinstated, the new operating company will "provisionally use the historical FA crest," according to a club statement. The club added, "As soon as the legal conditions are met, the lion will be used again as the crest of TSV 1860 Munich." This decision stems from unresolved legal matters concerning the 1860 GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien, a company previously co-managed by the parent club and Ismaik, which recently declared insolvency.

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Until the lion can be used as a crest without restriction, the new operating company will provisionally use the historical FA crest.

An insolvency administrator is currently assessing the potential liquidation of the KGaA. The merchandising rights for the original logo, featuring the lion, are still held by Ismaik. While 1860 is permitted to use the emblem, they cannot generate revenue from it, such as through jersey sales. Consequently, the club has opted for an older, oval logo that includes the number "1860" and the letters "FA," signifying "Fußballabteilung" (Football Department), a crest used over a century ago.

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As soon as the legal conditions are met, the lion will be used again as the crest of TSV 1860 Munich.

The duration of this transitional phase with the interim logo remains uncertain. Events at TSV 1860 Munich are unfolding rapidly and spontaneously. Due to delays in the production of new jerseys by a new outfitter, the team will wear transitional kits completely devoid of sponsors and outfitters for their first competitive match on Tuesday. This match is a Toto Cup first-round game against Eintracht Berglern, located near Munich Airport.

Amidst these changes, veteran striker Florian Niederlechner has committed to a new one-year contract. He is expected to help the recently relegated "Sechziger" secure an immediate return to the 3. Liga. "When I extended my contract last time, I said my time wasn't over yet, and I still had to score a few goals for the Lions. That hasn't changed," the 35-year-old stated.

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When I extended my contract last time, I said my time wasn't over yet, and I still had to score a few goals for the Lions. That hasn't changed.