DFL: the 36 German professional clubs to decide on the "50+1" rule on 22/03/2018

"The general meeting of all 36 clubs of the Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga will decide on the further discussion process regarding the 50+1 rule (see below) on 22/03/2018", stated the DFL, about a possible reform of the rule that governs shareholding in German professional football, on 28/02/2018. "The first step is to agree on a procedure that will initially seek to obtain a comprehensive opinion of all clubs, for which there will be a proposal from the DFL Executive Committee," said Reinhard Rauball, president of the DFL.

The "50+1" rule, introduced in Germany in 1998, reserves the majority of voting rights for the associations (50%+1%) of the clubs. It is registered in the statutes of the DFL. A modification of of the texts requires a two-thirds majority at the general meeting of the league (the DFL itself, as a company, does not have the right to vote).

"The discussion process should give all clubs the opportunity to bring their own position into the debate, and in such an important issue, thoroughness must be a priority. Insinuations that the DFL is secretly working on a new…