Bundesliga
FC Bayern for DFL investor: “Shape the future”
FC Bayern boss Jan-Christian Dreesen is in favor of a DFL investor. photo
© Sven Hoppe/dpa
It is a hot topic in German football: the possible entry of an investor into the German Football League. A decision will be made on Monday. How is FC Bayern positioned?
FC Bayern Munich will be interested in becoming an investor German Football League (DFL).
“FC Bayern Munich supports the German Football League’s project. We want to shape the future of the Bundesliga, we have to get better, especially in foreign marketing. We have to create better digital infrastructures and we have to make ourselves much more visible in international competition,” said Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen at the request of the German Press Agency. “I firmly believe that the DFL will manage to find a balance between tradition and vision. In addition to financial support, a good partner can also contribute its competence and know-how.”
“Bild am Sonntag” had previously reported that the German soccer record champions would speak out in favor of a DFL investor. “In the current constellation it is guaranteed that this partner has no say in sporting matters, such as the game plan,” explained Dreesen. “We weighed up the pros and cons in discussions with the DFL and came to the conclusion that working with a strategic partner is the best way for the Bundesliga to develop further.”
A decision on a possible strategic marketing partnership is to be made at the DFL general meeting on Monday. Fans have recently taken a stand against this in numerous Bundesliga and second division stadiums. Similar plans had already failed on May 24th. A corresponding motion did not receive the required two-thirds majority.
The new partner is to pay one billion euros for a percentage share of the TV revenue. The contract should have a maximum term of 20 years and be signed by the start of the 2024/25 season. A large part of the income will flow into the further development of the DFL business model and, above all, strengthen foreign marketing.
Dreesen, who succeeded Oliver Kahn at FC Bayern at the end of May, recently made an urgent appeal to the other Bundesliga clubs at the club’s annual general meeting. “The principle of solidarity applies – and it applies to everyone! Everyone must be prepared to take new paths, because this is the only way the Bundesliga can remain internationally competitive,” said the 56-year-old.