German Soccer Fans Stage Silent Protest Against League's Investment Deal

 

Football fan groups throughout Germany are staging a silent protest this weekend against the league's proposal to sell a stake in TV and marketing revenue to an external investor. Fan clubs and "ultras" from major clubs like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have announced a 12-minute silence during their teams' upcoming games, symbolizing the fans' influence as the proverbial 12th player. The groups released a joint statement expressing their opposition to the perceived sell-out of German soccer.

The protests have impacted games in the top two divisions, with fans causing disruptions, such as a brief stoppage during Borussia Monchengladbach's match and a halt in a second-division game due to lit flares. Supporters have been displaying banners at Bundesliga games for months, fearing that an investor might shift the league's focus from stadium fans to TV viewers.

The fan groups believe their potent tool is the Bundesliga's strong emphasis on Germany's vibrant stadiums and passionate crowds in marketing. Previous protests led to the elimination of unpopular Monday evening kickoffs. The recent protests follow the narrow approval by the top two soccer divisions to proceed with negotiations allowing an investment firm to acquire a percentage of future TV and marketing income. The league asserts a maximum 8% share over 20 years and multiple interested parties.

Officials argue that investor influence will be restricted to marketing, with additional income facilitating Bundesliga modernization amid a changing media landscape favoring streaming services. Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso voiced support for more investment to compete with other European leagues while respecting soccer tradition.