Soccer-faced Decision: Osnabrück Abstains from DFL Vote
In a surprising move, second-division soccer club VfL Osnabrück has declared it will stay neutral during the vote on the marketing partnership at the upcoming DFL members' meeting. The announcement came on a Wednesday, following the German Football League (DFL)'s failed attempt in May to secure a two-thirds majority from the 36 clubs in the first and second divisions for an investor to join.
On December 11, the DFL will once again attempt to push through an investor deal. The proposition involves a company shelling out approximately one billion euros over several seasons in exchange for a percentage share of the TV revenue. The contract is poised to last a maximum of 20 years, with the aim of signing it before the 2024/25 season kickoff. Notably, 1. FC Köln and SC Freiburg have already voiced their opposition to the proposition.
Criticism of the DFL's proposal was not limited to the aforementioned clubs. The "VfL fan department, the Fanszene e.V., and the Violet Crew" echoed similar disapproval in an open letter, calling on VfL von 1899 e.V. Osnabrück's executive committee and advisory board of the VfL Spielbetriebsgesellschaft to reject the proposal. They contended that the DFL's tight schedule and intricate information situation made it difficult for members and fans to engage in detail, violating VfL's self-image built on participation and co-determination.
Additionally, Osnabrück depicts concerns over the impact of an investor's entry on the financial divide between the clubs. The investment plans primarily revolve around international revenues, which could exacerbate the financial disparity between clubs like VfL Osnabrück and a significant portion of first-division and all second and third-division clubs, leaving them in a worsened competitive position.
Although the proposal has some merits, Osnabrück asserted that discussing it without considering the distribution issue and without a comprehensive fan and member participation process is premature at this point in time.
Further Reading:
- Refusing to support the DFL's proposed investor deal at the upcoming members' meeting, VfL Osnabrück, situated in Lower Saxony, chose to remain neutral against the marketing partnership investment proposition.
- At the DFL members' meeting on December 11, VfL Osnabrück has opted for abstention, citing concerns regarding the potential financial implications for clubs like themselves should an investor join the league.
- The investor deal, valued at approximately one billion euros, would see a company pay a percentage share of TV revenue over several seasons, but the prospect of a widened financial gap between the clubs has left Osnabrück and other clubs in a similarly compromised position.
Reference:
Enrichment Data: The enrichment data does not offer reasons behind VfL Osnabrück's deliberation to abstain in the DFL's proposed investor deal vote. More specific insights can be found by delving into statements or reports from the club or the DFL directly.
