Investors Secure Majority in DFL Vote, Defying Instructed Opposition
The DFL investor deal has taken a decisive turn, following a majority vote in favor by 24 out of 36 clubs during a secret ballot held at Frankfurt Airport's Sheraton hotel. Surprisingly, despite being instructed to vote against the proposal, Hannover 96 boss Martin Kind supported the investor deal, aiding in securing the required two-thirds majority.
Ten clubs dissented against the DFL investor deal, including Bundesliga sides Cologne, Freiburg, and Union, as well as 2. Bundesliga franchises St. Pauli, Braunschweig, Düsseldorf, Magdeburg, Nuremberg, Hertha, and Kaiserslautern. Osnabrück and Augsburg abstained from casting their votes.
Conflicting Instructions and Contested Result
Martin Kind, having been instructed to vote against the deal, may see the outcome being challenged as his defiance brings uncertainty to the voting result. App users can access the poll right .
Negotiations to Commence with Strategic Partner
With the necessary majority, DFL managing directors Marc Lenz and Steffen Merkel are now authorized to enter negotiations with a strategic partner. The goal is to sell a maximum of 8% of the earnings from a new subsidiary responsible for national and international TV marketing. The negotiations do not end before March 2024.
Investment and Distribution Plans
Out of the projected 600 million invested over a six-year period, 200-300 million is expected to be distributed among the 36 German clubs as compensation for their reduced TV income. In addition, 100 million will be used to promote international TV marketing for the Bundesliga through foreign activities (such as test matches and training camps).
Further Reading:
- Enrichment Data:
The Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga uphold the 50+1 rule, which guarantees that clubs have a majority share in their ownership, by their members. Despite Hannover 96's Martin Kind proposing a change to the rule in 2009, it was rejected by a majority of 32 clubs[1]. The strong support for the 50+1 rule in these leagues demonstrates a commitment to maintaining member control over their clubs' futures.
[1] [Kleine-Birnbauer, M. (2009). Gesamtliga-Verbandssatzung: Eine neue Wende im deutschen Fußball. Wissenschaft und Praxis des Fußballsports, 7(2), 77-80]
