FC St. Pauli has launched an open contest to find a new official stadium anthem. The so-called St. Pauli Song Contest aims to definitively end the debate surrounding the song 'Das Herz von St. Pauli', which has not been played at Millerntor Stadium for over 18 months.

The club presented the rules for the multi-stage process on Tuesday. Submissions will be accepted from September 22 to October 15. In an initial phase from October 23 to 25, all types of entries can be submitted, from finished songs to initial ideas. From all entries, the club will select 25 tracks for closer review.

Final Farewell to the Old Song

In a clear statement, FC St. Pauli made it clear there is no way back for the old anthem. "'Das Herz von St. Pauli' will no longer be played at Millerntor," the club said. Even a cover version with new lyrics would not end the associated discussions and the sometimes bitterly fought conflict within the club. Altered versions of the old song are also excluded from the contest itself.

The decision follows a long and, for many fans, frustrating search. Almost a year ago, the club first published a text about the search for a new anthem. An expert report on the work of lyricist Josef Ollig has been available for over a year. Back in February 2025, the club announced a final decision would follow a discussion event. A survey of seven individuals found that six of them wished for a fixed stadium hymn.

Transparency and Open Questions

The club emphasised the contest should be transparent and democratic. However, some details remain unclear. It is not yet certain whether an FCSP account will be required for voting. The exact criteria for reviewing the songs also raise questions. The club mentioned "legal questions, relevant historical or biographical backgrounds, as well as compatibility with the principles of FC St. Pauli". Whether a jury will decide on compatibility with the club's principles is also still open.

The club acknowledged that wild theories about the process are circulating on social media. These included claims that a "music boss" named Oke Göttlich was steering the process for private interests.

From the 25 selected songs, five finalists will be chosen from October 30 to November 1. The final will take place one week after this selection phase. The result is to be announced before the members' meeting on November 14.

While the club plans the future of its stadium sounds, the team is battling for points in the league. Following the 1-0 home win against Wolfsburg last weekend, FC St. Pauli sits ninth in the 2. Bundesliga with six points. The recent form from the last five games shows a mixed picture with one win, two draws, and two defeats. The next test is the away match against seventh-placed Energie Cottbus on Sunday.

First reported at MillernTon