Bayern come to rescue of cash-strapped minnows

Newly-crowned German champions Bayern Munich have pledged to play a friendly against cash-strapped former Bundesliga side Darmstadt 98 in a bid to ward off bankruptcy.

Bayern, crowned German champions on Sunday, will play the friendly at the club's ground in Hesse, central Germany, on Tuesday May 13 to help raise money for the struggling fifth division club.

Fellow Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen have also agreed to play a game to help out “The Lillies”, who spent two years in the Bundesliga in the late 70s and early 80s before plummeting down the leagues.

“This support and show of solidarity demonstrates that The Lillies have a name in German football,” said club president Hans Kessler.