The German Football League (DFL) has finally given up on the lucrative agreement it had reached with the CVC fund. She announced this on Wednesday, via the spokesperson for the presidium, Hans-Joachim Watzke. This choice was motivated by the numerous protests from groups of supporters, fiercely opposed to this project.
“In view of current developments, a successful continuation of the process no longer seems possible,” said Hans-Joachim Watzke. This conflict increasingly endangers the functioning of matches and therefore the integrity of the competition. The viability of a successful contract in terms of financing for the 36 clubs can therefore no longer be assured, given the circumstances. »
In exchange for 8% of the future television rights of the Bundesliga and the German second division, the league was to obtain almost a billion euros from CVC. The agreement was reached in December in order to “guarantee long-term sustainable success” for the DFL and its 36 professional clubs.
“A good day for the fans”
German fans, largely unfavorable to this project, feared a drift towards “over-commercialization” of football. To protest against the arrival of CVC, they disrupted the progress of several matches by throwing tennis balls and even sweets onto the lawn. These demonstrations caused several interruptions of meetings. Thomas Kessen, spokesperson for the “Our Curve” supporters association, expressed his joy: “It’s a good day for German football fans. »
The independence of Bundesliga teams is a principle very dear to supporters. Within the league, the 50 + 1 rule requires clubs to own 50% plus one vote of their rights. The DFL therefore listened to the fans, even if Hans-Joachim Watzke spoke of this partnership as an “entrepreneurial necessity”.
