Football NewsBundesligaUnverified source· 12 Aug 2026
Bundesliga welcomes cartel office backing for 50+1 rule
Germany's competition authority says the 50+1 ownership rule is permissible, a major boost for fan rights.
Authority
Bundeskartellamt (Federal Cartel Office)
Date
12 August 2026
Rule
50+1 rule
Status
Permissible under competition law
What happened. The Bundesliga Executive Committee welcomed the Federal Cartel Office's statement that the 50+1 rule is permissible under competition law.
- No fundamental objections raised by the cartel office.
- Exceptions acknowledged under German and European law.
- League to agree with 36 clubs on legal certainty.
“key component of German football”
— Hans-Joachim Watzke
The league will now negotiate with clubs to implement the cartel office's guidance.
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