Federal Cartel Office conclude that 50+1 exemptions are no longer possible | OneFootball

Today, the Federal Cartel Office has posted its findings (via Sportsschau) and has concluded that exceptions to 50+1 is no longer possible.

The overall findings were that there are no fundamental problems with 50+1 in German football, as a ruling by the European Court of Justice has previously stated that the act of giving fans 50% plus one vote in club matters was not abiding.

The main takeaway from the findings is:

RB Leipzig were also pointed out during the findings and brought into question regarding the way their club is in compliance with the rule but does not allow outside voting members.

On the findings, the DFL spokesperson Hans-Joachim Watzke said:

What happens now?

According to Sportsschau, the Federal Cartel Office will no longer work with the DFL to provide recommendations to the 50+1 rule. It is up to the DFL to find a solution.

One option is that the clubs that are currently exempt, or RB Leipzig, work with the DFL to apply structural changes to their clubs.

While the other option is to abolish 50+1 completely, as there is already lobbying within the DFL clubs to do so is also a possibility. However, considering the backlash to the DFL investor deal 18 months ago, this would likely result in mass protests throughout German football.

GGFN | Jack Meenan