Soccer Chat: Baumgart on Investor Deal: "It's All About the Majority"
Cologne coach Steffen Baumgart threw his support behind the Bundesliga fans in the heated debate surrounding the controversial investor deal from the German Football League (DFL). Addressing the media on Sunday during the Bundesliga match against SC Freiburg on DAZN, Baumgart stated, "You have to accept and respect the fans' feelings. A majority decision cannot be made by a small group of people. The majority is the curve, and that applies to every stadium. This should be considered in all situations, whether it's right or wrong, I'll leave that out of it."
The controversy came to a head last Monday when the 36 professional clubs granted the DFL the authority to enter into negotiations with a strategic marketing partner, provided they secured a two-thirds majority. Many supporters expressed their discontent with various occurrences over the weekend.
"We have a majority advocating for 'normal soccer.' The curve in every stadium demonstrates this. We can't just ignore it," Baumgart added. FC was one of only three Bundesliga teams to vote against the DFL plans.
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Behind the Scenes
Understanding the complexities and nuances of the DFL investor deal debate requires a deeper dive into various financial and structural aspects of the football clubs. Here, we've highlighted some key points based on available sources:
Context
- Financial Challenges: Many German football clubs grapple with financial difficulties, which are exacerbated by the lack of a primary sponsor. A case in point is 1. FC Union Berlin, who are still searching for a reliable, long-term main sponsor[1].
- Investor Control: The 50+1 rule, which requires clubs to preserve 50% + 1 voting rights to protect members from external investors, is a significant figure. This rule safeguards football clubs from external influence[1].
- Cooperatives as an Alternative: Clubs like FC Schalke 04 and FC St. Pauli are investigating cooperatives as an alternative financing method to secure funds without surrendering control to external investors. Cooperatives put members in charge of the club's operations and share profits, following in line with cooperative ethical principles[1].
Outcome
- Union Berlin’s Situation: The club faces a severe financial crisis, with a significant sponsorship deficit. Failure to secure new funding could result in negative consequences that may lead to relegation[1].
- Fan Frustration: Fans are expressing their dissatisfaction with the lack of progress and stability in the club. Their concerns border on desperation, urging the club's management to take decisive action to address the financial and sporting challenges[1].
- Baumgart’s Perspective: The coach acknowledged certain issues that characterized Union Berlin were absent in recent games. This reflects the pressure and internal and external struggles facing the team in connection with their financial worries[1].
The Bottom Line
In summary, the DFL investor deal debate is marked by financial instability, the balancing act required to secure funds without giving up control to external investors, and the frustration expressed by fans who see their club in crisis. While some clubs like Schalke 04 and St. Pauli are considering cooperatives as a financing strategy, others like Union Berlin are negotiating for solutions to combat their predicament and preserve the club's future. Fans remain steadfast in their calls for decisive action from their club's leadership.
