50+1 rule
The 50+1 rule (also written as 50+1, 50+1%, or Fünfzig+Eins) is a regulation in German football (soccer) that requires clubs to hold a majority of their own voting rights. This means that club members (i.e., the fans) must control more than 50% of the club's voting shares.
The primary purpose of the 50+1 rule is to protect clubs from being taken over and controlled by external investors, preventing them from potentially prioritizing profit over the interests of the club and its supporters. It is intended to ensure that the club's decisions are made with the fans' best interests at heart, preserving the traditional member-owned structure of German football.
Under the rule, private investors are generally prohibited from owning a majority stake in a football club. However, there are exceptions. A notable exemption is granted to investors who have substantially funded a club for more than 20 years. This exception has allowed companies like Bayer (Bayer Leverkusen) and Volkswagen (VfL Wolfsburg) to own and control their respective clubs. Another exception exists for clubs that were formerly part of East Germany where, due to the Communist government's control, private investment was impossible until reunification. RB Leipzig exploited loopholes in the original interpretation by utilizing a small number of paying members to satisfy the 50+1 requirement while operating with substantial Red Bull company funding.
The 50+1 rule has been the subject of considerable debate. Supporters argue that it protects the integrity of German football, maintains affordable ticket prices, and promotes a strong connection between clubs and their local communities. Critics argue that it limits the financial potential of German clubs, hindering their ability to compete with other top European clubs that are not subject to such ownership restrictions. They suggest that the rule stifles investment and prevents clubs from reaching their full potential. Discussions regarding potential modifications or abolishment of the rule continue to be a regular occurrence in German football.