Borussia Dortmund’s managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke remains spokesman for the Presidium of German Football League (DFL). The 66-year-old was unanimously confirmed by the representatives of the 36 professional clubs from the 1st and 2nd Bundesliga at the DFL general assembly without opposing candidates. According to the statutes, he is still chairman of the DFL GmbH supervisory board, the new term is four years.
“I naturally accept the choice, thank you very much for your trust,” said Watzke about his choice. He had no opponents in the election.
At BVB he leaves the presidency of the traditional club at the general meeting in November. The Sauerland is due to its position at the DFL also Vice President of the German Football Association. Watzke is also a member of the Executive Committee of the European Football Union UEFA.
Dispute by 50+1 rule
Oliver Leki from SC Freiburg was re -elected as deputy presidium spokesman, and the second deputy is Oke Göttlich from FC St. Pauli. Jan-Christian Dreesen (FC Bayern Munich), Axel Hellmann (Eintracht Frankfurt), Steffen Schneekloth (Holstein Kiel) and Holger Schwiewagner (SpVgg Greuther Fürth) were determined as presidium members.
Under Watzke’s leadership, the DFL faces major challenges. Especially in the event of a dispute 50+1 rule, it is important to avoid an open conflict between the privileged exceptional clubs and the other clubs. The 50+1 rule is intended to prevent investors from taking over the majority of football clubs and thus ensures the influence of the members. Some clubs such as Leverkusen, Wolfsburg or Hoffenheim have exceptions because they have been worn by companies for a long time.
The Bundeskartellamt considers the special rights of some clubs to be problematic, which is why complaints threaten to complain. Against this background, the DFL under Watzke must find a solution by the beginning of 2025, which is portable for all clubs.
At the same time, a personnel attract attention: Bayer Leverkusen’s managing director Fernando Carro, representative of one of the clubs with 50+1 exception, was elected to the DFL supervisory board with the votes of all 18 first division clubs.
Related reading
