Overview

• On August 12, the DFL urged all 36 Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga clubs to turn traditional ballkids into “ballholers” who place rather than throw match balls.
• The recommendation specifies at least 19 balls per game, eight helpers each managing up to three balls, and bans assistants from withholding balls or entering the pitch.
• The multiball concept is designed to speed up restarts, curb deliberate timewasting and neutralize subtle home-team advantages.
• Although non-binding, the guideline upholds FIFA’s existing rule for eight host-provided ballkids and aligns Germany with similar procedures in England and Italy.
• Several clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, TSG Hoffenheim and FC Augsburg, have already trialed the cone-based system ahead of the new season.