50+1: Cartel office takes DFL to task

In its review of the 50+1 rule in German soccer, the Federal Cartel Office has called on the DFL to make improvements. In principle, the authority has no fundamental concerns, according to another interim decision. However, it is of the opinion that the DFL should "take concrete measures to ensure that the rule is applied with legal certainty in future".

Case closure planned

The German Football League, the affected clubs and investors now have the opportunity to comment. According to the Federal Cartel Office, it then intends to "finalize the recommendations and then discontinue the proceedings".

The DFL, as the umbrella organization of the 36 professional clubs, and the Federal Cartel Office had already agreed in principle on changes to the controversial 50+1 rule in 2023. At its core, this rule stipulates that investors cannot acquire a majority of votes in the capital companies of clubs. Exceptions have so far been made for VfL Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen. The necessary vote of the clubs on the new regulation at a general meeting has already had to be postponed several times.

"Apply 50+1 consistently"

"In our opinion, the DFL must ensure uniform competitive conditions and therefore apply the 50+1 rule consistently and without discrimination," said Andreas Mundt, President of the Federal Cartel Office, in a statement.

Mundt also indirectly addressed the cases of RB Leipzig and Hannover 96: "The decisive factor will be, firstly, that the DFL ensures open access to membership at all Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs in equal measure and thus that fans have a say. Secondly, the DFL should ensure that the values of the 50+1 rule are also observed in its own votes."