TSG Hoffenheim: end of exemption from the 50+1 rule following the transfer of Dietmar Hopp's shares

The transfer of the majority of the shares and voting rights held by Dietmar Hopp, owner of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (Bundesliga), to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim e.V. "has been finalised," announced the German club on 29/11/2023. Thanks to this handover, TSG has rejoined the circle of German professional clubs subject to the so-called '50+1' rule and has seen its exemption granted by the DFL revoked.

Since 09/02/2015 and the transfer of the majority of the voting rights of the club's association to Dietmar Hopp, founder and former CEO of the IT company SAP, TSG Hoffenheim had benefited from the German league's exemption from this rule, which reserves to the association the majority of voting rights on the board of directors of a commercial company operating for a professional club. The exemption was granted by the DFL because of Dietmar Hopp's "considerable financial commitment to professional and amateur football as well as the club's grassroots sport, which has existed for more than 20 years." The German billionaire announced that he wished to waive this exemption on 01/03/2023.

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