Fans in the Bundesliga stadiums can't hide their frustration with the German Football League (DFL) and their investor plans, turning to unconventional means of expression like throwing tennis balls, chocolate coins, and even chants of abhorrence. A popular slogan, "We won't be part of your deal – fuck the DFL!," echoed throughout the arenas.
The incidents reached their most dramatic height during Bochum's match, where Union Berlin fans caused an eleven-minute disruption by bombarding the pitch with tennis balls and chocolate coins. The referee, Sven Jablonski, had to briefly pause the game to clear the field. Bochum's attacking player, Takuma Asano, humorously dealt with the situation by enjoying a chocolate taler thrown onto the pitch.
Similar interruptions occurred in Darmstadt, where pyrotechnics were set off and chocolate coins were hurled in response to the board's support for the deal. A poster read, "Our vote should have prevented the DFL investor." Fans are outraged as they feel the agreement puts their interests at risk.
Regardless of the protests, the DFL received a mandate from the professional clubs to negotiate a deal with a strategic marketing partner. This investor would pay up to one billion euros for a share of the TV revenues with a contract duration of twenty years. Predictably, many club supporters oppose this agreement.
DFL criticisms are not confined to Germany; many other European leagues, such as England, Italy, and France, have private investors. Once criticized for holding on to the 50+1 rule for so long, ex-NFL player and Sky expert, Dietmar Hamann, now supports opening up to private investors. Hoping for increased professionalization, especially in foreign marketing, Hamann maintains that the alternative was potentially damaging for the league.
Despite being a different sport, even tennis isn't immune to fan backlash. In 2019, a Lawn Tennis Association Championship spectator decided to hurl a sliced cucumber at a line judge. The incident sparked calls for stricter fan behavior policies.
The DFL's financial regulations and investor plans have led to significant concerns among club supporters. Fans voice their dissatisfaction through various creative ways, reinforcing the importance of understanding their concerns and potential impact on the league's reputation.
