German 50+1 Rule to Evolve Following Preliminary Antitrust Assessment

On 16 June 2025, German competition authority (Bundeskartellamt) issued preliminary findings on the Bundesliga’s 50+1 rule, affirming its general compatibility with EU Law but highlighting significant areas needing improvement - particularly open club membership, consistent internal application and reconsideration of long-standing exemptions. On the same day, the German League (Deutsche Fußball Liga - DFL) welcomed the guidance and committed to implementing necessary reforms to ensure future compliance.

Background to the 50+1 Rule Investigation

The German football regulatory framework’s cornerstone, the 50+1 rule, requires that...

Why not join us?

Football Legal is an independent media publishing football law contents on a daily basis dedicated to all football law practitioners (lawyers, clubs, federations, intermediaries, football stakeholders, etc.).

Get started