Big bang on Wednesday afternoon: The planned investor deal in the Bundesliga has fallen through! The Presidium of the German Football League decided this at its extraordinary meeting in Frankfurt/Main on Wednesday. This was preceded by violent protests from fans.
The statement from BVB boss and DFL executive committee spokesman Hans-Joachim Watzke in full:
“In view of current developments, a successful continuation of the process no longer seems possible. Even if there is a large majority in favor of the entrepreneurial necessity of the strategic partnership: German professional football is in the middle of a test that is taking place not only within the league association between the clubs, but also sometimes also within the clubs between professionals, coaches, club officials, supervisory bodies, general meetings and fan communities, which causes major disputes that endanger game operations, specific game processes and thus the integrity of the competition with increasing vehemence. The viability of a successful conclusion of a contract in terms of financing the 36th season Clubs can no longer be guaranteed given the circumstances in the league association with its 36 member clubs.
Having assessed all legal aspects, the Presidium has come to the conclusion that any further votes would not bring about a solution to the problem. The starting point is the vote on December 11, 2023, which resulted in a 2/3 majority for a final mandate from the Presidium. This vote is viewed as legally valid within the executive committee and according to the assessment of the lawyers. Nevertheless, it should not be overlooked that this vote lacks broad acceptance due to the events surrounding Hannover 96. Given the great asset we hold in our hands with the 50+1 rule, ignoring this should not be our approach.
The DFL Presidium is unanimous in its support of the 50+1 rule. However, any new vote with the aim of establishing this acceptance through a resolution would raise further legal questions regarding the assessment of the legally effective decision made in December 2023, which was not questioned or contested by any club at the time, which would pose the risk of new legal questions or even disputes would entail. Avoiding this and returning to orderly game operations must be the DFL’s primary goal.
The Presidium has therefore unanimously come to the conclusion that, based on the resolution of December 11, 2023, it should exercise its final discretion not to continue or complete the process. The DFL Presidium and the management will invite you to club discussions in the next few weeks in order to discuss conclusions from the process together.”