Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig Face Ownership Shake-up After 50+1 Ruling
The authority said the rule can remain if clubs apply it consistently and without unjustified distinctions.
- On Wednesday, the Bundeskartellamt ruled the Bundesliga's 50+1 ownership rule is permissible under antitrust law, preventing major investors from acquiring controlling stakes in top German leagues.
- This 50+1 rule ensures clubs and fans retain majority voting rights, protecting against single-investor takeovers common in leagues like Spain, Italy, France, or England.
- Critics argue the rule limits investment needed to compete with major European leagues, though exceptions exist for factory-owned clubs Bayer Leverkusen and VfL Wolfsburg, or investors with over 20 consecutive years of contributions.
- Bundeskartellamt President Andreas Mundt stated the rule remains justified to preserve the sport's club-based character, as the German Football League requested this assessment to legally bolster the rule.
- Mundt clarified the authority is not initiating proceedings to prohibit the regulation, stating "Our evaluation outlines the antitrust framework within which, in our view, the 50+1 rule can be applied with the greatest possible legal certainty.
31 Articles
31 Articles
The Bundesliga's rule of ownership, which prevents large investors from taking control of clubs in Germany's two major leagues, is allowed under the current antitrust laws, said the country's federal competition authority, the Bundeskartellamt, on Wednesday (12). Exclusive material for subscribers. To have full access, access the link of the subject and register.
The Bundeskartellamt has no fundamental concerns about the 50+1 rule in German football.
The Federal Cartel Office completes its procedure for the 50+1 rule in German football. The authority does not see any fundamental concerns, but demands improvements. A club in particular should feel addressed.
Berliner Morgenpost
ikz-online.deThe Federal Cartel Office completes its procedure for the 50+1 rule. These are the consequences for German professional football.
The Bundesliga led by President Hans-Joachim Watzke wants to find a legally secure solution for the 50+1 rule after the antitrust evaluation together with all 36 clubs.
The 50+1 rule is intended to regulate the influence of companies in the clubs of the Bundesliga. Some clubs receive special treatment. This could soon be over.
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