Bundeskartellamt urges DFL to reform the 50+1 rule-what now?

Bundeskartellamt urges DFL to reform the 50+1 rule-what now?

The topic around the 50+1 rule is currently employed by the German Football League (DFL) and the Federal Cartel Office, and opinions are anything but uniform. According to a recent report by Deichstube If the Federal Cartel Office demands that the DFL urgently make improvements in this regulation. In principle, however, the authority does not show any serious concerns about the rule itself, but sees a clear need for action for a legally secure implementation.

In particular, the competitors of Werder Bremen, including Bayer Leverkusen and VfL Wolfsburg, are criticized. The existing protection from which these two clubs have previously benefited should no longer be maintained. Federal Cartel Office President Andreas Mundt has emphasized that it is crucial for equality in competition to abolish the existing exceptions and to ensure that the 50+1 rule is used without discrimination. The DFL therefore faces the task of opening the rights of membership and co-determination for all clubs.

reactions of the DFL and fan organizations

In a statement of June 16, 2025, which was published on the DFL website, the DFL takes note of the evaluation and welcomes that the Bundeskartellamt does not express any fundamental concerns. Nevertheless, the DFL announces that the possible developments of the 50+1 rule will be discussed. It is pointed out that protection of the rule is not only important at national, but also at European level. This aspect was already discussed in a fundamental understanding with the Cartel Office in 2023 in order to maintain German football from the challenges of foreign investors.

The fan organization "Our curve" has positively received the latest assessment of the Federal Cartel Office. In her opinion, this could strengthen the fans and members' rights of co -determination. This consideration is underlined by the VfB ultras, which critically observe the effects of the 50+1 rule on the clubs, especially with regard to the capital interests. They call for the rule as an essential basis of German football.

planned steps and challenges

According to the report of the Federal Cartel Office, the DFL is facing three central tasks: Firstly, the regulation of the exceptions for Bayer Leverkusen and VfL Wolfsburg, on the other hand the member problem at RB Leipzig and the internal instructions, for example in the case of Hannover 96. In the DFL, a longer transition period seems to be considered to be a solution as a solution.

The DFL Presidium plans to soon deal with the topic in detail and to develop a compromise proposal. In the past, it was often difficult to find a uniform line, since the interests of the various fan camps and clubs often apart. But one thing remains clear: For many, the 50+1 rule is a non-distinguishing part of German football, and it is due 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 good time and in the sense of everyone involved. However, it is clear that the topic will continue to be very popular and that the DFL and the clubs are required to actively work on it.