Technical Glitch Disrupts DFB-Pokal Semi-Final Broadcast on ZDF
Viewers of the semi-final match between VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig faced commentary and graphics outages during crucial moments.
On April 2, 2025, during a semi-final match for the DFB-Pokal between VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig, ZDF experienced a significant technical malfunction that disrupted the broadcast.
Starting in the second half, as the game reached a crucial phase, the commentary provided by Oliver Schmidt suddenly ceased, leaving viewers without audio commentary while the match continued.
The event unfolded at a pivotal moment in the match, with Stuttgart leading 2-0. In the 62nd minute, RB Leipzig's Benjamin Šeško scored, narrowing the gap to 2-1. While fans were able to observe the dramatic goal, they were left without the customary commentary that accompanies such events.
The lack of audio persisted for several minutes before Schmidt returned to provide coverage.
Shortly thereafter, an additional issue arose when the graphic displaying the match score disappeared from the screen for a brief period.
The cause of the audio failure has yet to be determined, and ZDF officials have not released detailed information about the incident.
Following the commentary's return, Schmidt addressed the audience, expressing regret over the technical difficulties while attempting to add levity to the situation, suggesting that some viewers might welcome a break from the commentary.
This incident has raised questions about the reliability of broadcast technology during high-stakes sporting events, particularly in a tournament of such significance as the DFB-Pokal.
Starting in the second half, as the game reached a crucial phase, the commentary provided by Oliver Schmidt suddenly ceased, leaving viewers without audio commentary while the match continued.
The event unfolded at a pivotal moment in the match, with Stuttgart leading 2-0. In the 62nd minute, RB Leipzig's Benjamin Šeško scored, narrowing the gap to 2-1. While fans were able to observe the dramatic goal, they were left without the customary commentary that accompanies such events.
The lack of audio persisted for several minutes before Schmidt returned to provide coverage.
Shortly thereafter, an additional issue arose when the graphic displaying the match score disappeared from the screen for a brief period.
The cause of the audio failure has yet to be determined, and ZDF officials have not released detailed information about the incident.
Following the commentary's return, Schmidt addressed the audience, expressing regret over the technical difficulties while attempting to add levity to the situation, suggesting that some viewers might welcome a break from the commentary.
This incident has raised questions about the reliability of broadcast technology during high-stakes sporting events, particularly in a tournament of such significance as the DFB-Pokal.
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