The Bundeskartellamt published its final but legally non-binding opinion on the 50+1 rule on Wednesday. Below are the statements from VfL Wolfsburg and Volkswagen AG on the matter.
VfL Wolfsburg statement:
VfL Wolfsburg acknowledges the Bundeskartellamt’s final, legally non-binding opinion on the 50+1 rule and its application. The club will now carefully review the points set out in the opinion.
The Bundeskartellamt’s opinion makes clear that further reform of the 50+1 rule is needed. All Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs are called upon to work together to bring about changes.
VfL Wolfsburg has already been closely involved in the process in recent years and has put forward concrete proposals for a future-proof version of the 50+1 rule. In our view, a workable solution is needed that provides legal certainty, ensures fair and reliable competitive conditions and, at the same time, takes account of the different structures that have evolved within German professional football.
The key now is to work together to find a sustainable long-term way forward. The current opinion provides a basis for further discussion.
VfL Wolfsburg will continue to play a constructive role in this process and maintain its dialogue with the Bundesliga group, the clubs and the other parties involved.
Volkswagen AG statement:
After eight years of examination, the Bundeskartellamt today presented its final, but legally non-binding, opinion on the 50+1 rule in German professional football.
Volkswagen AG was prepared for this and will now thoroughly analyse and assess the latest opinion. For years, we have been engaged in constructive dialogue with all parties involved on every aspect of the broader issue of “50+1”, and we will continue that dialogue.
Our aim is to work together constructively to find a viable compromise that takes all interests into account. It must strengthen competition as well as the performance and competitiveness of the clubs and the Bundesliga divisions, while also preserving the essence of German football. We have been signalling our willingness to achieve this for some time.
It is now up to the Bundesliga group, also in dialogue with other stakeholders from politics and business, to work with all clubs to develop a fair, workable and sustainable long-term solution.
At the same time, however, we would also point out that Volkswagen AG is obliged to safeguard the interests of its shareholders. We therefore reserve the right to take any further appropriate steps.
The relationship between Volkswagen and VfL Wolfsburg has grown historically over eight decades and is closely intertwined with the development of the city of Wolfsburg and Volkswagen’s presence there. Supporting VfL Wolfsburg Fußball-GmbH therefore represents, above all, a long-term commitment to Wolfsburg as the company’s headquarters and to the region.
Volkswagen’s involvement helps to strengthen and highlight the ties between the company, the club and the local community, and is of great importance to Wolfsburg’s attractiveness as a business location. The plant’s employees and their families, as well as people throughout the entire region, support this partnership.
Beyond its support for VfL Wolfsburg, Volkswagen is a major and committed supporter of sport – particularly grassroots sport at its company locations, but also elite sport throughout Germany.
The Bundeskartellamt’s opinion can be found here.
