Federal Cartel Office urges DFL to reform the 50+1 rule – what now?

Federal Cartel Office urges DFL to reform the 50+1 rule – what now?

The issue surrounding the 50+1 rule is currently preoccupying the German Football League (DFL) and the Federal Cartel Office, and the opinions on it are anything but uniform. According to a recent report by Dike room The Federal Cartel Office demands that the DFL urgently make improvements to this regulation. In principle, however, the authority does not have any serious concerns about the rule itself, but sees a clear need for action to ensure legally secure implementation.

Werder Bremen's competitors, including Bayer Leverkusen and VfL Wolfsburg, are particularly criticized. The existing protection from which these two clubs have benefited so far should no longer be maintained. Federal Cartel Office President Andreas Mundt emphasized that it is crucial for equal competition to abolish the existing exceptions and ensure non-discriminatory application of the 50+1 rule. The DFL is therefore faced with the task of opening up membership and co-determination rights to all clubs.

Reactions from the DFL and the fan organizations

In a statement dated June 16, 2025, which was published on the DFL website, the DFL noted the assessment and welcomed the fact that the Federal Cartel Office did not express any fundamental concerns. Nevertheless, the DFL has announced that it will discuss possible further developments of the 50+1 rule. It should be noted that the protection of the rule is important not only at the national but also at the European level. This aspect has already been addressed in a fundamental agreement with the Cartel Office in 2023 in order to protect German football from the challenges posed by foreign investors.

The fan organization “Our Curve” received the latest assessment from the Federal Cartel Office positively. In their opinion, this could strengthen the co-determination rights of fans and members. This consideration is underlined by the VfB Ultras, who are critically observing the effects of the 50+1 rule on the clubs, especially with regard to capital interests. They demand that the rule be preserved as an essential basis of German football.

Planned steps and challenges

According to the Federal Cartel Office's report, the DFL has three central tasks ahead of it: firstly, the regulation of the exceptions for Bayer Leverkusen and VfL Wolfsburg, secondly the membership problem at RB Leipzig and the internal instructions, for example in the case of Hannover 96. Within the DFL, a longer transition period in order to find a solution as an overall association seems to be viewed as justified.

The DFL Presidium plans to examine the issue in detail soon and intends to develop a compromise proposal. In the past it was often difficult to find a consistent line because the interests of the various fan camps and clubs were often far apart. But one thing remains clear: for many, the 50+1 rule is an indispensable part of German football, and it is up to the DFL to protect and adapt it to secure the future of the competition.

It remains to be seen whether the necessary changes will be implemented in a timely manner and in the interests of all those involved. What is certain, however, is that the topic will continue to be very popular and the DFL and the clubs are called upon to actively work on it.