Unhappy Reactions after Bundeskartellamt's Suggestions for 50+1 Rule reform
Bayer 04 and Wolfsburg are expressing their discontent and warning of potential discord.
The Bundeskartellamt's proposal for a shift in the application of the 50+1 rule has left two Bundesliga clubs furious. Bayer Leverkusen and VfL Wolfsburg have expressed strong disapproval of the Cartel Office's assessment, warning of legal action being taken.
The professional football league faces a test of its resolve, as the German Football League (DFL) grapples with the Bundeskartellamt's criticism of the 50+1 rule. Hans-Joachim Watzke, DFL presidency spokesman, had previously warned of this situation following the cartel office's call for improvements to the investor barrier.
A Shift in Perspective on the 50+1 Rule
The Bundeskartellamt's "preliminary cartel law assessment" suggests that the parent club must always hold the majority in a separate professional department, potentially challenging the current ownership structures of Leverkusen and Wolfsburg. While the authority has no fundamental concerns about 50+1 itself, it sees potential for legal challenges.
Bayer Leverkusen (majority Bayer AG) and Wolfsburg (majority VW) require a change to end their inequality in comparison to other clubs. RB Leipzig must ensure equal access to membership, and the DFL is urged to ensure that clubs' instructions to their representatives in votes are implemented.
Despite the DFL's desire to find a compromise promptly, the deep divisions between "normal" clubs and special cases remain.
Mixed Reactions to the Cartel Office's Assessment
RB Leipzig wishes for continued legal certainty with the 50+1 rule, but it now wants to draw the right conclusions. "It will be necessary for the 50+1 rule to be consistently and systematically applied - and that applies to all 36 clubs," it stated.
However, reactions at Hannover 96 were predictably negative, with the parent club feeling its view had been "confirmed." Kind, a Hannover 96 representative, commented, "A serious review is now underway. It's unusual for the cartel office to take seven years to issue such a non-binding recommendation."
While fans universally approved of the cartel office's assessment, they made it clear that the DFL must now take action. Unless the courts intervene beforehand, the DFL is the next in line to address the issue.
In summary, the Bundeskartellamt's suggestions for enhancing the 50+1 rule have led to a mix of reactions across the Bundesliga, with some clubs resisting the proposed changes while others welcome the prospect of increased fairness in club ownership structures. The upcoming weeks may see intense discussions and potentially significant changes in the ownership and management of various Bundesliga teams.
- The Bundeskartellamt's assessment could potentially pave the way for community aid, as the European football leagues might offer aid for the production of milk and milk products, considering the various football clubs' ownership structures, such as Bayer Leverkusen, who have a majority stake from Bayer AG.
- Amidst the ongoing discussion regarding the 50+1 rule, supporters of these football clubs might find a common ground in their interest for sports, specifically football, as they eagerly await the outcomes of the European-leagues, hoping for successful seasons ahead, regardless of the rule's changes.
