Tennis ball riots in the Bundesliga
Fans, angry about foreign investors in the German game, are throwing objects onto the pitch at almost every match.
The impending entry of investors into the DFL, the body responsible for Bundesliga1 and Bundesliga2, has sparked protests across Germany. Since the vote in favor of allowing the investors in last December, there have been few matches without tension in the stands. A highly charged atmosphere prevails, threatening to erupt at any moment. Fans are voicing their resistance to the increasing commercialization of football, fearing that the influence of foreign investors will affect the traditional values and essence of the sport.
The Bundesliga, where the 50 + 1 rule remains in effect to prevent clubs from falling into rich foreign ownership, continues to advocate for football by and for the fans, who do not want their football model to change and become ever more commercialized.
The main concern among supporters lies in the potential loss of German football's identity, fearing that financial interests will outweigh sporting and community aspects.
The protests have led to prolonged interruptions to matches, with tennis balls, sweets, chocolate coins, and even chairs being thrown onto the pitch. German fans believe this is the only way for them to be heard.
Martin Kind, the main shareholder of Hannover 96, is at the center of the storm for having long proposed changes to the 50 + 1 rule and saying yes in the tight vote that was approved by two-thirds, despite the Hannover board urging him to vote against it.
The protests also reflect a widespread rejection of the idea of a Super League, which, from the fans' perspective, would only benefit the richest clubs, thereby breaking the competitive equality that is the bedrock of German football.
Some clubs and the DFL have started talks with their supporters to address concerns and seek solutions that balance the need for investment with the preservation of German football's identity.
The fan organization "Unsere Kurve" (Our Stand) sees the withdrawal of a potential investor, Blackstone (an American investment management and financial services company), as a result of the protests as a first triumph in the battle.
With Blackstone's withdrawal, the only investor remaining in the process is CVC. CVC Capital Partners is an investment firm with experience in the sports sector. It's noteworthy that CVC also has ties with LaLiga.
Following demands to repeat the vote on investor entry into the DFL, board member Axel Hellmann has restated his position, categorically rejecting the idea of reconsidering the situation. This battle is far from over.
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