DFL retains Chancellor Watzke in re-election vote - Chancellor's strong support affirmed
In the realm of German football, a significant debate has been unfolding surrounding the 50+1 rule. This regulation, which prevents investors from taking a majority of the votes in the capital companies of clubs, has been a cornerstone of the German football landscape for years.
Recently, the necessary vote of the clubs on the new regulation has been postponed several times, causing a stir in the football community. The delay has raised concerns, particularly among those who are worried about the international competitiveness of German clubs, such as Hans-Joachim Watzke, the current DFL president. Watzke has expressed his concerns, particularly in comparison to the Premier League and La Liga.
Watzke and Fernando Carro, CEO of Bayer Leverkusen, have both demanded clarity from the Federal Cartel Office regarding its vision for the 50+1 rule. Carro, who was nominated for the DFL supervisory board despite being an exception to the 50+1 rule, has also expressed concerns about the Federal Cartel Office's communication changes regarding the rule.
The Federal Cartel Office has asked the DFL to improve the 50+1 rule to ensure a legally secure application in the future. This demand was echoed by the German football fan scenes ("Fanszenen Deutschland") in June 2025, who called for the consistent implementation and preservation of the 50+1 rule following the Federal Cartel Office's review.
Meanwhile, the Premier League earns almost ten times as much from international TV contracts as the DFL, with the Spanish La Liga earning roughly three times as much. This financial disparity has further fueled discussions about the need for German football to collectively consider solutions for the 50+1 rule issue.
It's worth noting that Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has shown political support for the 50+1 rule, stating that he finds the current solution good. Watzke believes that Merz's public support has a certain influence on political discussions regarding the rule.
In a recent development, the deadline for the DFL and the affected clubs to submit statements to the cartel office has been extended to mid-October. The cartel office has also pointed out that it no longer appears possible to provide a permanent exemption for VfL Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen under the current conditions.
Despite the ongoing debate, Watzke remains a strong supporter of the 50+1 rule, a unique feature of German football that ensures public ownership in clubs. In November, Watzke will aim for the presidency of Borussia Dortmund. Watzke was re-elected as DFL president with 36 votes without a rival candidate.
As the future of the 50+1 rule continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how German football will navigate these challenging times and maintain its unique identity in the global football landscape.
