The district court of Recklinghausen has declared the will of long-time Schalke manager Rudi Assauer, who died in 2019, to be invalid. According to the court's decision, he was unable to testify when he signed the contract in 2012 due to his Alzheimer's disease, a court spokesman said on Monday.

If the resolution becomes final, half of the inheritance will not only be granted to the daughter designated in the will as the sole heir, but also to Assauer's second daughter. The "Zeit" had previously reported about it.

There was a very extensive hearing of evidence, numerous witnesses were heard, said the court spokesman. A psychiatric expert report was decisive. The expert came to the clear conclusion that Assauer was unable to testify at the time and that a "bright moment" - i.e. temporary clarity despite dementia - was ruled out. The hearing took place behind closed doors.

Decision not yet final

According to the court spokesman, the will, which has now been declared invalid, provides for Assauer's older daughter to be the sole heir. The younger daughter would then only have a compulsory share. The decision of the district court of October 10 is not yet final. According to the court, an appeal can be lodged within four weeks. In that case, the Hamm Higher Regional Court would deal with the matter. If the decision becomes final, according to the court spokesman, the statutory succession will apply. Both daughters would then be the only children of Assauer to inherit in equal parts.

As manager of Schalke 04 (1981 to 1986 and 1993 to 2006), Assauer also became known to the public beyond the sport. As a charismatic doer with a cigar as his trademark, he shaped the Bundesliga for years. He died on February 6, 2019 at the age of 74 after years of Alzheimer's disease in his hometown of Herten. Survivors have been arguing about his inheritance for a long time.