The protests have worked. German Football League refuses to cooperate with new investors

The German Football League (DFL) has announced on its official website that it has decided to withdraw from cooperation with the new investors.

During an extraordinary meeting of the football league held on Wednesday, February 21, the Executive Committee unanimously resolved not to continue the process of negotiating a contract with the new investors.

"Successful continuation of the process no longer appears possible due to the current developments. Even though the vast majority advocates for the entrepreneurial necessity of a strategic partnership.

German professional football is facing a crucial test, which is causing serious disputes not only within the league association among clubs but in some cases within the clubs themselves.

In view of the circumstances prevailing in the league association with its 36 member clubs, the viability of a successful conclusion of the contract can no longer be guaranteed," said Hans-Joachim Watzke, a representative of the Executive Committee.

The decision to end the negotiations was made following numerous protests by fans in stadiums, who believe that involving external investors is the first step towards violating the "50+1" rule, which regulates club ownership in Germany.

The Executive Committee unanimously concluded not to continue the process and not to bring it to completion. Shortly, the DFL Executive Committee will invite clubs to negotiations in the coming weeks to jointly discuss the consequences of this process.

It is worth noting that fans protested against the agreement to sell eight percent of the television rights of the first and second Bundesliga in exchange for investment capital. German supporters fear that private investors may have a negative impact on the league.