Volkswagen will continue Wolfsburg backing in event of relegation

"VfL Wolfsburg has a strong bond with the people in the city and the region. The club is an integral part of Volkswagen — we stand behind our sporting commitment," Blume told the Wolfsburger Allgemeine Zeitung (WAZ).

Volkswagen is based in the city and has helped bankroll the side, which won the Bundesliga in 2009. However, cost cutting at the German auto giant amid a tough trading environment has had some impact on spending at the club.

Wolfsburg are second bottom in the Bundesliga with eight games left and are facing their first relegation since debuting in the German top flight in 1997.

VfL Wolfsburg Fussball GmbH is 100% owned by Volkswagen, which has a special dispensation from German football rules which usually prevent one entity owning more than 50% of a club.

The carmaker supports the football club, which also includes a women's team which had major success until recent times, with more than €70 million per year ($80.7 million). This also includes shirt sponsorship and stadium naming rights.

According to the WAZ newspaper report, VW would adjust this amount in the event of the men's team's relegation. Blume himself said on RTL/NTV last week: "We will review everything at the end of the season. I think it is only fair to do that."

Nevertheless, reduced VW backing in the second division would still be sufficient for the club to see immediate promotion as the goal.