Key facts
- The German Federal Cartel Office has ruled on club ownership.
- The "50+1 rule" has been endorsed by the watchdog.
- The 50+1 rule ensures clubs are majority controlled by members.
- The ruling insists on equal application of the 50+1 rule.
- Bayer Leverkusen must comply with the 50+1 rule.
- RB Leipzig must comply with the 50+1 rule.
- Wolfsburg must comply with the 50+1 rule.
- The rule aims to prevent external investors from gaining complete control.
The German Federal Cartel Office has mandated an overhaul of ownership structures for several German football clubs, insisting on the equal application of the "50+1 rule." This rule ensures that club members retain majority control over their respective teams, preventing external investors from acquiring complete voting rights. The decision specifically impacts clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, and Wolfsburg, which have previously operated under different ownership models.
The Federal Cartel Office's ruling upholds the principle of the 50+1 rule, which is designed to maintain a connection between clubs and their fan bases and prevent commercial interests from dominating football. However, the office has now demanded that this rule be applied uniformly to all clubs, including those that have historically been exempt or operated under special circumstances. This move is expected to lead to significant changes in how these clubs are owned and managed.