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50+1 rule questioned

Germany's 50+1 rule is often praised by fan groups in the UK as means of giving fans a stake in a club, although it is by no means watertight as the examples of RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim show.

Wolfgang Holzhäuser was one of the key figures in implementing the 50+1 rule in 1998.  Holzhäuser now says the rule needs to be modified for German clubs to be able to adapt to innovative business methods in modern football.

The former Bayer Leverkusen CEO has called for changes if German football is to improve its international presence to help boost the value of the Bundesliga TV and media rights. 

A majority of the 36 Bundesliga clubs in March 2018 voted to retain the rule – but discussions are ongoing between the DFB, DFL and the clubs.

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