What is 50+1 Rule?

What is 50+1 Rule?

The 50+1 football ownership rule in Germany is a regulation that ensures majority control of a football club remains with its fans or members. In simple terms, it means that no single entity or investor can own more than 50% plus one share of a club’s voting rights. However, there are some exceptions. If a company or investor has continuously supported a club for over 20 years, they can acquire majority ownership with approval from the German Football League (DFL), like in the case of Bayer Leverkusen, VfL Wolfsburg, and TSG Hoffenheim. Although Red Bull does not have a 20-year history of supporting Leipzig, they obtained an exception by reforming the club’s ownership and establishing a membership structure that includes fan representation. The rule promotes increased fan involvement and prioritises the interests of supporters by keeping ticket prices in check. Nevertheless, it also leaves the German clubs disadvantaged in the player transfer market due to limited external support.

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