Shortly before the start of the Bundesliga, the fan scenes use the DFB Cup to request a uniform implementation of 50+1. Also because supporters and opponents usually continue to position themselves behind the scenes of the Bundesliga.
“DFL & clubs: We have in mind – 50+1 implement without exception”so it was on banners in many stadium curves during the first round of the DFB Cup. At the start of the season, the fan scenes across the country positioned themselves clearly for the rule.“We pursue the individual steps on the part of the DFL and their membership associations very precisely and critically”write the fan scenes in Germany on the Sportschau request.
The saying on the banners was based on the joint action of the fan scenes against an investor’s introduction to the German Football League (DFL), which was then not implemented due to the massive fan protests. “This shows our determination to stand up for 50+1”according to the fans. The DFL did not want to comment on the fan protests on request.
The 50+1 rule
The 50+1 rule states that the majority of the voice shares must always be in the hands of the mother club determined by members. The influence of investors is thus limited. An exemption currently applies to Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfL Wolfsburg. These exceptions were justified with “continuously and considerable funding over at least 20 years”.
Bundeskartellamt Extended deadline for statements
The time of the fan protests was deliberately chosen. Last Monday (August 18, 2025), the original deadline for further statements by the participants in the proceedings from the Bundesliga took place at the Federal Cartel Office. Germany’s highest competition authority had recently declared the rule repeatedly for competitive compliance, but made it clear that this could only apply to a uniform application of the rule.
According to Sportschau information, only one statement has been received by the authority. Six more will follow by the end of October because the authority has extended this deadline until then. Until then, the DFL also wants to make a statement. Only then will the cartel office check its current legal assessment or take into account aspects from the statements for its legal assessment.
However, the work assignment to professional football is already clearly formulated. “It is at the clubs and the DFL to get something here that corresponds to competition law”Cartelamts President Andreas Mundt told the sports show. In addition to the uniform application, the focus is primarily on participation among the clubs: “That the members are decisive here. That is the key point and that must be ensured.” So far, this has not been the case with all clubs in the Bundesliga, the authority stated in its assessment in June.
Factory associations under pressure
The DFL must therefore apply the rule more consistently to be able to receive 50+1. The association has repeatedly emphasized in recent years that it is its goal to maintain the rule for German football. According to the antitrust office, all clubs must ensure that the mother club, which is open to new members, dominates the outstanded professional society.
To do this, some clubs would have to adjust their structure. This primarily affects the factory clubs. Because at Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfL Wolfsburg, the corporations behind it are currently decisive. So far there are no mother clubs that have a dominant influence on the outsourced professional football societies. This basically stipulates the 50+1 rule.
At lawnball sport Leipzig, the authority questions whether the club there “sufficiently open” for voting new members. So far, the Leipzigers have only a little more than 20 members who are entitled to vote, who also be close to their investor. This is because at RB Leipzig you can only become a supporting member without any voting rights. Open access, as usual with registered clubs, does not exist.
Thorsten Poppe, Sportschau, June 17, 2025 9:41 am
Wahl DFL bodies – fight behind the scenes
Against this background, it is not surprising that opponents and supporters are positioned for the upcoming elections of the DFL bodies in early September. So runs too Fernando Carrothe chairman of the management at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, for the supervisory board of DFL GmbH. Unsurprisingly, a critic of the legal assessment of the cartel office. Philipp Türoff from 1. FC Köln, a clear proponent of the uniform implementation of the rule, is also available.
The DFL supervisory board primarily has a control function on the management of DFL GmbH, which is responsible for the operational business. Important, strategic decisions of the DFL management require the approval of the Supervisory Board.
Signal from the curve
These developments in the background also follow the fan scenes. Their skepticism towards the associations is great, precisely because of the failed investor entry at the DFL. Therefore, DFL and clubs are equally obliged to work for the interests of their fans and members.
“The football community must not be added even more into the hands of investors”explain the fan scenes in Germany. However, further protest banners from the curve are not planned for the Bundesliga opening. The message had arrived.