Club members in German professional football and their attitude towards the ‘50+1 Rule’ – A stakeholder-oriented analysis

While several clubs in England have established possibilities for co-determination by supporters as part of the supporters’ trust movement, in Germany a repeal of the so-called ‘50 + 1 Rule’ is being discussed. The German ‘50 + 1 Rule’ was created to exclude controlling investors’ influence on clubs, therefore ensuring that non-profit clubs and their members have the decision making power over the management of their professional football team. Due to the ‘50 + 1 Rule’ affecting sociological themes like participation of club members, oligarchization and commercialization, we examined the interests of club members with regards to the rule. Club members were asked about their arguments for retention, as well as their arguments for repeal and their preference regarding the future of the ‘50 + 1 Rule’. The empirical results showed an endorsement of the rule, with advocacy largely explained in the context of participation, the exclusion of multi-club ownership, and the avoidance of increasing commercialization.