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Stefan Tonev
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Germany’s DFL wants no more exemptions to “50+1” rule
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The rule blocks investors from controlling a majority of voting rights in clubs

Germany’s soccer governing body (DFL), which wants to tighten rules to ensure investors do not take full control of more clubs, presented a proposal on Wednesday to the country’s independent competition authority.

The existing ’50 1′ rule blocks investors from controlling a majority of voting rights in clubs, which means that the supporters have a say in how their clubs are run, rather than one outside influence or investor.

“This proposal has now been submitted to the Bundeskartellamt,” the DFL said in a statement. “Among other things there shall be no exemptions offered in the future from the 50 1 rule.”

Several clubs, however – Wolfsburg, Hoffenheim and Bayer Leverkusen, are excused so the DFL has submitted a proposal to ensure no future exemptions are granted while tightening the current framework.

Leverkusen and Wolfsburg are excused because their investors have had an Interest in the clubs for more than 20 years.

Hoffenheim are spared from the rule because of major investor Dietmar Hopp’s substantial financial commitment to their grassroots activities as well as his funding of professional and amateur football in Germany.

The DFL said those clubs would continue playing in the top leagues but would have to meet some criteria to retain their status.

The purpose of the 50 1 rule is to ensure fans feel part of their clubs, which were historically not-for-profit organisations run by member associations in Germany.

Under current rules clubs cannot compete in the Bundesliga if commercial investors have more than a 49% stake – in contrast to other European leagues where clubs can change hands and be taken over by other investors.