The investment company Blackstone from the USA has withdrawn from negotiations about a possible investor entry into the German Football League (DFL). This means that the Luxembourg company CVC remains the only bidder for the time being.
The DFL confirmed that “after good discussions, Blackstone is no longer considered as a strategic marketing partner for the Bundesliga and 2nd Bundesliga for various reasons.” In its announcement, the DFL spoke of the “high demands” it had placed on potential partners. The DFL did not want to go into details. However, the further process will “continue with CVC according to the planned schedule”.
Blackstone wanted to get in with a billion euros
The DFL reduced the number to two candidates in January. The financial investors want to acquire shares for 20 years in a DFL subsidiary to which all media rights are outsourced. The plan is for a partner to have a minority stake of a maximum of eight percent. Blackstone had offered around one billion euros for the rights share.
Sina Braun, Sportschau, February 11, 2024 4:46 p.m
The still unclear role of Martin Kind
Last December, 24 of the 36 professional clubs voted yes in the vote on the entry of an investor. The necessary two-thirds majority was barely achieved. With just one vote less, the project would have failed. That’s why many fans attribute Martin Kind to a central role in this process. The managing director of Hannover 96’s professional department is said to have acted contrary to his club’s instructions and voted for the deal instead of against it. He himself does not comment on his voting behavior because the election was held secretly. Many fans are still demanding that the vote be repeated.
DFL rejects another vote
DFL executive committee member Axel Hellmann rejected the active fan scene’s demands for a new vote. The fan protests are massive. On Saturday, the match between Union Berlin and VfL Wolfsburg (1-0) was about to be canceled.