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Bundesliga pulls out of private equity talks

The Bundesliga has ended talks with private equity groups seeking to invest in the league's international media rights.  It is thought that two-thirds of clubs voted against the move, possibly anticipating fan criticism.

The clubs felt they were in a strong position to reject the deal because they are less indebted than their Italian or Spanish counterparts and it is hoped that fans will soon be able to return.

The plan was to raise cash by selling a minority stake in a new media company that would hold the rights to broadcast games outside Germany.  85 investment groups had expressed interest with nine submitting a bid.  It had been hoped to raise between €200m and €300m, but some bids went above €500m for a 25 per cent stake.

For their part some potential investors thought that the deal on the table gave them too little say in running the league.

Serie A has degenerated into a bitter row about a possible €1.6bn private equity deal after months of talks.

According to analysts the bigger picture is that football is in a state of flux as the dust settles after the European Super League row.   Some think that it could still come back in a different format.


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