Thursday briefing: German Cartel Office backs 50+1 but calls for consistent application

Germany’s Federal Cartel Office has concluded that the 50+1 rule can comply with competition law, while calling for changes to ensure it is applied consistently across Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga clubs.

The authority said on Wednesday that it had no fundamental objections to the rule following an investigation launched in 2018. Although 50+1 restricts competition for investment, it said preserving member influence and club structures can justify the restriction.

However, the Ca