German Football League Cancels Investment Deal Amid Fan Protests

The DFL halts plans to sell media rights stake after widespread fan demonstrations, marking a victory for fan influence in football.

The German Football League (DFL) has abandoned plans to sell a stake in its media rights business to a private equity firm after widespread fan protests.
Fan protests included throwing tennis balls and other objects onto pitches, causing delays, and using remote-controlled cars to disrupt games.
The decision not to proceed with the deal was made unanimously by the DFL board, citing the protests as jeopardizing match operations and the integrity of the competition.
The proposed deal would have provided teams with a significant cash injection in exchange for a portion of the league’s broadcasting revenues over the next two decades.
This marks a significant victory for fan interests in football, highlighting the power of fan communities in influencing major decisions.