DFL: DEKRA (independent inspection body) to assess club licensing sustainability criteria

DEKRA (GER), an independent inspection body, will assess compliance with sustainability criteria for club licensing by the DFL from 2023-24 to 2025-26, announced the German Professional League on 06/02/2023.

"The Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga are the first major professional football leagues to include mandatory sustainability criteria in their licensing regulations," explained the League. The criteria were approved by the 36 professional clubs at a general assembly in May 2022.

According to the German League, "the 117 minimum criteria set out in the sustainability guidelines cover three different areas:
• Club management and organisation
• Environment and resources
• Stakeholder groups."

Clubs will be required to provide evidence of, for example, a sustainability and environmental strategy. Annual measurements of environmental footprint, as well as transport and traffic analysis, are planned. Clubs will also have to publish a code of conduct for their employees, against discrimination and in favour of equality, diversity and inclusion.

• "The aim is to ensure ongoing development in the…