DFL reaffirms foreign ownership limitations

The regulation preventing foreigners to possess majority shares in German clubs will remain in effect. The 50+1 rule was voted on by the German Football League (DFL) last Thursday, determining that Germans must own majority shares in Bundesliga clubs.

Reinhard Rauball, DFL President, stated at a press conference that the 'stability and continuity' of the Bundesliga must be maintained to keep the competition fair.

The rule stands regardless of opposition from some clubs. Martin Kind, president of Hanover 96, who aims to attract foreign investors, told the Deutsche Welle that more and more clubs wish to change the ruling.

In order to change the regulation, two-thirds of the DFL members and the DFB, German football association, would have to approve it.