Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer believes the 50+1 rule should be abolished: “Every club should be able to decide for itself what it wants to do.”

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In an interview at the Club Wirtschaftspresse München, Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has commented on the 50+1 rule and whether it should stay. 

On whether the rule which restricts investors from having more than 49% of the voting share should stay, Hainer said.

“I am firmly convinced that the ’50+1′ rule should be abolished and each club should be able to decide for itself.”

Later, adding if the marketing of the league needs to be improved:

“The bottom team in England gets more money than the top team in our league. Our clubs need to expand their reach to America, Africa, and Asia for things to improve.”

There are currently two clubs exempt from 50+1, one in Germany, both Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen, while Hoffenheim were previously exempt, and RB Leipzig actively bends the rules to adhere to the rules. The status of 50+1 has been questioned in recent months following a review by the Federal Bundeskartellamt, which suggested that such exemptions are no longer possible. 

Bayern and 50+1:

Bayern are obviously a club that is run well within the realm of 50+1; however, if it were to be removed, they would be one of the clubs to benefit the most from it. Industry leaders such as Audi, Adidas and Allianz are all minority shareholders in the club, and the removal of the rule would allow the club to gain even more money and open the gap on other Bundesliga clubs even further. 

It is rather obvious where Hainer’s comments are coming from. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan