Bundeskartellamt demands clear rules: 50+1 remains, adjustments are necessary!

Bundeskartellamt demands clear rules: 50+1 remains, adjustments are necessary!

Wolfsburg, Deutschland - on June 16, 2025, a date that ensures turmoil in the football world, the Bundeskartellamt has published gratifying news about the controversial 50+1 rule. However, this rule, which restricts the influence of external investors on the German clubs of the Bundesliga and the 2nd Bundesliga, remains, but needs urgent adjustments. The Bundeskartellamt found that although there are no fundamental concerns about the rule, the German Football League (DFL) is now required to take concrete measures. Sportschau reports that the president of the Federal Cartel Office has made clear claims.

A central element of these demands is the abolition of the current exceptions that VfL Wolfsburg and Bayer 04 Leverkusen benefit. So far, these two clubs may differ from the 50+1 rule. Mundt demands that all clubs act under uniform competitive conditions, which means that the mother clubs have to keep control of their professional departments. In addition, the DFL is asked to open the access to membership and ensure that the votes of the fans are heard in the decision -making processes of the clubs.

legal steps in space

The reactions to the statements of the Federal Cartel Office were prompt. Both VfL Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen have already indicated legal steps to protect their interests. RB Leipzig, on the other hand, has a clear position by demanding a fair and uniform application of the 50+1 rule for all 36 clubs of the higher leagues. The discussion about the rule is additionally fueled by the support of the DFB for the DFL.

What the future brings remains to be seen. The fan alliance "Fanzenzen Germany" has also spoken out and demands that associations that do not adhere to the 50+1 rule must expect exclusion. Many fans see the rule as essential to preserve the identity of their clubs and prevent foreign investors from taking control, such as [ZDF] (https://www.zdfheute.de/sport/bundesliga 50-plus-1-regel-dfl- Bundeskartellamt-100.html).

a step into the future

The 50+1 rule was introduced to preserve German football from external investors and protect the local roots of the clubs. However, it must be clear that the set of rules is currently not in line with the latest legal framework, which was raised, among other things, by a judgment of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) from the end of 2023. A compromise between the DFL and the clubs Leverkusen and Wolfsburg, which has been discussed since 2023, has so far been unfulfilled.

The DFL is now faced with the challenge of converting the instructions of the Federal Cartel Office into concrete measures and redesigning relationships with the clubs concerned. This will be the key to ensure the integrity of German football and at the same time tackle the concerns of the fans and clubs. The next steps will be crucial to guarantee a smooth process in the Bundesliga.

In the dynamic world of football, it remains exciting to see how things develop. Above all, the fans that form the backbone of the clubs will pursue developments with arguments.