According to those involved, the general meeting of the DFL is going very smoothly. That was different. The clubs in the two national leagues are preparing for difficult times.
The new coat of paint on the white wall of the Dortmund exhibition center will not last long. Only for the General Assembly of the German Football League was the red logo of the kicking player placed under large black letters – with a temporary useful life.
Within the Westfalenhalle, on the other hand, the powerful umbrella organization made long-term effective decisions for the difficult future with the energy crisis, international competition and football-political debates.
Watzke emphasizes “great unity”
“That was very good today, with great unity and very purposeful in terms of the major challenges that we are facing,” said Supervisory Board Chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke, who was confirmed in office as expected. The “big signal of unity” is “not a matter of course”, each club has its own agenda.
DFL Managing Director Donata Hopfen spoke of “future options” and “issues for the future” that the 36 professional clubs had dealt with “intensively”. “We had a very good discussion about the next steps.” During the press conference that followed, Hopfen went into more detail, but not too much. A “formal process” for possible partnerships will be started, but “without prior determination”. Most recently, the possible participation of partners in the marketing of the media rights was reported.
After years of growing media contracts and the resulting prosperity, German football is struggling to maintain it. In particular, the increase in revenue from international business seems necessary. At the beginning of the year, Hopfen followed in the footsteps of Christian Seifert, who, like Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Peter Peters, was made an honorary member of the DFL.
Debate about the 50+1 rule is still an issue
This is only possible together, and nothing was known in Dortmund of quarrels and bickering, as was the case at previous general assemblies. The debate about the 50+1 rule, which protects against excessive investor influence, remains a smoldering topic. Club representatives with different agendas sit on the newly elected Executive Committee and the Supervisory Board. Axel Hellmann from Europa League winner Eintracht Frankfurt is also new to the presidency – whether he speaks for medium-sized companies as before or is more oriented towards the big ones remains to be seen.
“The German Football League showed today that it is very united,” said Watzke at the end of the three-hour public part of the General Assembly at the historic location. The Bundesliga was founded 60 years ago in Dortmund’s Gold Hall.
Neuendorf: “Need a sports relief package”
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf used his greeting to call on politicians to help deal with the energy crisis. “The expected price increases in the energy sector will affect us all through levies. In the worst case, the places will be closed completely. We must now make it clear that the corona mistakes of the past must not be repeated,” said the 61-year-old. “The sports facilities must remain open. We cannot keep children and young people away from the courts again. The resulting additional costs must be financed by the federal and state governments. We need a sports relief package,” said Neuendorf.
Hopfen and Watzke emphasized again that football should not be used for “symbolic politics” in the energy crisis. The topic is “highest on the agenda,” said Hopfen, and Watzke added: “We can save significant energy (…). We can save 15 percent – ideally even more – energy. We will deal with it responsibly and sensibly. “
No Bundesliga mode changes
According to the head of the supervisory board, Watzke, the mode of the Bundesliga will not change “in the near future”. “I don’t believe in breaking this over my knee,” said Watzke after the meeting in Dortmund. “There is quite a lot to suggest that whoever becomes champion after 34 matchdays deserves it.” Most recently, the introduction of playoffs, for example, was discussed. Watzke did not want to completely rule out mode changes. It may be seen “at some point” that an “ultima ratio” is required.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
