Germany / competition law: "No fundamental concerns regarding the 50+1 rule" (Bundeskartellamt)

"Taking into account the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union relating to the application of competition law to sport, the Bundeskartellamt has concluded that it has no fundamental concerns regarding the 50+1 rule. Although the rule restricts economic competition for investment in professional football, the objective of maintaining the club character of the sport and allowing club members to participate can justifying an exemption from prohibitions under competition law," the German competition authority stated on 12 August 2026.

The Bundeskartellamt has issued its final decision in proceedings initiated in 2018 by the executive committee of the DFL (renamed the "Bundesliga" since 1 July 2026), which asked the authority to assess the 50+1 rule and its application under…