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Bayern Munich step in to help save threatened Kickers Offenbach

Bayern Munich have agreed to play financially threatened Kickers Offenbach in a friendly in August to help them stave off bankruptcy.

Offenbach, DFB Pokal winners as a second division side in 1970, have a long history of financial problems and currently languish in the fourth tier of German football.

They began this season with a nine-point penalty after going into administration at the end of the previous campaign.

"Kickers Offenbach are a club steeped in tradition and have always been an important club in Germany," Bayern's CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told his club's official website.

"Therefore, we gladly provide our support with a game to save them."

Rummenigge, a former Germany international striker, made his Bundesliga debut against Offenbach as Bayern were thrashed 6-0 in 1974.

"All the proceeds will go to Kickers Offenbach," he added. "With this game, we hope to secure the future of this brilliant club."

Kickers president Helmut Spahn said: "Bayern are proving once again that football isn't merely about one's own financial gain.

"It's a massive gesture of solidarity. On behalf of the OFC board and fans, rest assured we will never forget Bayern's support."

Offenbach fans have helped the club raise €600,000 to secure their playing rights for this season.

The Bayern game will be played at Offenbach's famous Bieberer Berg on Aug. 30 after the opening two matches of next season's Bundesliga campaign.