 In 1973 (and shortly in the course of the 1976–77 season), Rüssmann was banned temporarily from club action by the German Football Association, but given the allowance for appearances in foreign leagues.So he left FC Schalke 04 in 1973 to see out his Bundesliga ban with Belgian outfit Club Brugge (11 matches, 0 goals).Returning to Schalke afterwards, Rüssmann stayed on with the club until December 1980.