February 16 – For years, the 50 plus 1 ownership rule in the Bundesliga, which effectively prevents reckless profit-driven owners from taking over clubs, has been held up as a bastion of commercial fair play.
But now there are growing murmurs the rule may be reaching its sell-by date with the Bundesliga chief executive Christian Seifert (pictured) announcing there will be a “transparent debate” on whether to modify it.
Until 1998 private ownership of any kind was prohibited in Germany. The 50+1 rule was introduced that year and is reckoned to have reduced debts and wages and, more importantly, kept ticket prices relatively low compared to other major leagues in Europe.
Germany has one of the most admired fan cultures in European football with private investors unable to force through major changes against the wishes of supporters, with one or two exceptions such as the cases of Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim and VfL Wolfsburg.
But Bayern Munich are among those calling for a change, saying the rule prevents Bundesliga clubs competing on equal terms with those from England and Spain.
Seifert said on Thursday as he presented the Bundesliga’s financial report for the 2016/17 season: “It will be a general debate without backroom commissions. The clubs can form their opinions and then report back. We will also consult the competitions’ office, where appropriate, and the European Commission.”
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