Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Schalke 04 are being probed by local authorities on suspicion of delaying bankruptcy proceedings, prosecutors confirmed on Tuesday.

Prosecutors in Essen are looking into charges filed last month by a private individual over Schalke's difficult financial situation. They are directed against finance board member Peter Peters and club president Josef Schnusenberg.

"We will carefully look into whether there is evidence of a suspected crime and reasons for an investigation," prosecutor Wilhelm Kassenboehmer told German Press Agency dpa.

Kassenboehmer said that Schalke have not yet been officially informed of the proceedings.

Schalke are reportedly confronted with debts of 137 million euros (205 million dollars) and another 100 million euros in liabilities. (dpa)