Germany: RB Leipzig will make Red Bull less prominent in its logo, on criticism by DFL

RB Leipzig will make Austrian energy drink Red Bull less prominent in its logo, following criticism by DFL (the German professional league) and in order to participate in the 2014-15 2.Bundesliga, the club announced on 05/05/2014. The club, second in the German third division after 37 matchdays, is to play in the second German professional league next season.

DFL had criticised the close proximity between the club's logo and that of Red Bull. "If DFL wants us to change the logo, then we will," said Ralf Rangnick, the athletic director. The German league also conditioned granting the license to play in 2.Bundesliga on the "50 + 1 rule". This measure requires that 50% of the votes + 1 must belong to a non-profit organisation. Investors can therefore only hold a minority share. Currently, however, Red Bull holds the majority share of RB Leipzig.

A decision will be made before 28/05/2014, the club announced.

• Other clubs do not meet the 50+1 rule: VfL Wolfsburg, majority-owned by the Volkswagen Automotive Group, and Bayer Leverkusen, majority-owned by the Bayer group, which specialises…