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A 35-year-old German amateur footballer has been taken into custody on suspicion of fatally poisoning his team-mate during an end-of-season trip to Dresden. Prosecutors are treating the tragic case as an alleged act of revenge, with the victim dying from septic multi-organ failure shortly after returning home with the club last year.

Amateur player arrested

A 35-year-old German amateur footballer identified as Marius was arrested by police on Tuesday, September 1, on suspicion of poisoning his 30-year-old team-mate, Philipp. The victim became unwell during an end-of-season trip to Dresden with amateur side TuS Rockenberg before dying in hospital on June 16, 2025. Medical examinations later confirmed that the cause of death was septic multi-organ failure triggered by poisoning.

Prosecutor points to revenge motive

Authorities and people close to Philipp had initially suspected severe food poisoning after the squad ate fish during the trip, before forensic investigators found evidence indicating a deliberate killing.

Speaking about the suspected motive behind the incident, senior public prosecutor Thomas Hauburger told local media: "We assume that this was an act of revenge."

The arrest stunned the amateur club, with Rockenberg's head of football Manuel Barufe telling local media: "We are all surprised and shocked. Nobody expected this. We hope the police can fully clarify what happened."

Club left devastated by tragedy

Rockenberg issued a formal statement expressing deep devastation while asking for privacy for everyone connected with the club as the legal process continues. In the statement, the club said: "After having to cope with the sudden death of a team-mate in our football department last year, the events of last Tuesday have once again left us speechless. None of us can currently comprehend this latest devastating blow.

"We are now placing our hopes in the work of the authorities and trust that the incident will be fully investigated. Given the extremely distressing and emotional situation for everyone involved at our club, we will not comment on the ongoing investigation. We therefore urgently and respectfully ask that players, coaches and board members are not approached for comment. Thank you for your understanding."

Legal proceedings still under way

Marius remains in pre-trial detention while state prosecutors and police investigators continue their inquiry into Philipp's death. The arrest came just two weeks before the suspect had been due to host a major wedding celebration, having earlier completed a civil ceremony after the incident last year. Neither the accused nor his legal representatives have made any public response to the allegations as authorities continue working to establish the exact sequence of events.