interview
Protests against the possible investor in the DFL characterized the match day in the Bundesliga and the 2nd Bundesliga – the “Fan Scenes of Germany” alliance takes a stand on the weekend and further protests.
For twelve minutes – regarding the twelfth man – many fans were silent at the weekend in protest against the possible investor entry into the German Football League (DFL). Following their silence, many fans threw chocolate coins or tennis balls, and the resulting game interruptions gave the protest a lot of attention.
Fans of clubs such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, 1. FC Köln, SC Freiburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach were involved. Nicolai Mäurer (37) is a fan of Borussia Dortmund and spokesman for the “German Fan Scenes” in Dortmund. The alliance brings together a large part of the ultra groups from numerous clubs in several leagues in Germany. In an interview with Sportschau, Mäurer comments on the protests.
Sports show: Mr. Mäurer, how do you rate the protest and its impact?
Nicolai Mäurer: We see this as a great success. People are discussing the protests and therefore also about the entry of investors into the DFL. It has become clear that we will not accept this in silence.
Spokesperson for the German fan scenes in Dortmund: Nicolai Mäurer
Sports show: What exactly do you criticize about the DFL’s approach?
Bricklayer: There are two main points when making the decision: Firstly, the plan was pushed through against the majority of fans and with pressure against some clubs. On the other hand, we see, for example, at Hannover 96 that the parent clubs were ignored. The secret vote allowed club representatives to vote differently than their parent clubs wanted. This is completely non-transparent and undermines the 50+1 rule.
Sports show: What is the goal of the protest?
Bricklayer: First of all, of course, we want the deal not to go ahead. The approach at Hannover 96 has shown that the vote is not legitimate. On the other hand, we want a reform of the DFL. It cannot be the case that the fans and the parent clubs are being ignored in this way.
Sports show: But the 36 clubs agreed, at least in principle, that the DFL needs to further develop its business model.
Bricklayer: I would disagree with that. The 36 management boards may have agreed, but the parent clubs did not. We expect the DFL to finally develop a vision for the Bundesliga that is not just based on “more money”. The league needs to clarify what it actually wants to stand for. It should focus on what makes it special: full stadiums, loud fans, participation of members. And then they finally have to tackle their biggest problem: There is a lack of exciting competition in the long term; the same club has been German champion for eleven years. A reform of the distribution of money is therefore needed.
Protests against the possible investment of investors in the DFL by Dortmund fans at the game in Augsburg
Sports show: The DFL spoke of “red lines” and has repeatedly asserted that an investor will have no access to the game plan, fixtures abroad or the Bundesliga format. Why don’t you believe these promises?
Bricklayer: The DFL management, together with BVB managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke, explained to us in Dortmund that they want a “clear” majority for investors to join – now they are working with the smallest possible majority of 24 yes votes. You can see what such promises are worth. We learned in football that no promise lasts when it comes to money.
Sports show: Many fan groups took part in the protests, but not all. There were no protests at Eintracht Frankfurt, Schalke 04 or Fortuna Düsseldorf. Why?
Bricklayer: The scenes are all individual and each scene can decide for itself. We are a loose alliance and no one would think of dictating someone else’s behavior or threatening them if they didn’t participate. This distinguishes us from the DFL, where some representatives, for example, have threatened the 2nd Bundesliga with consequences.
Sports show: The actions remained peaceful – with one exception: at the game in Paderborn, Rostock fans rioted after the twelve minutes of silence.
Bricklayer: One has nothing to do with the other. I can’t comment on what happened in Paderborn, that’s a matter for the Hansa Rostock fan scene. Everyone is responsible for themselves.
Sports show: How does the protest continue? There are further games in the Bundesliga on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Bricklayer: The action game day is over, further protests are planned individually in the fan scenes. But there will continue to be protests. The topic is not yet over.