The landscape of German football is currently marred by escalating fan protests, prompting calls from players and coaches for a resolution to the disruptions.
The unrest follows a decision by clubs in the first and second divisions to approve an investment deal, allowing an investor to acquire up to one billion euros for an eight percent stake in international marketing rights over the next two decades. This decision has led to widespread fan protests, with nearly every competitive match being interrupted by fans throwing tennis balls and other items onto the pitch to express their discontent.
Innovative forms of protest have emerged, including the use of remote-controlled toy cars in Rostock and toy airplanes in Freiburg to disrupt games. Alexander Zorniger, coach of the second division team, highlighted the challenge these actions pose to fair competition, urging supporters to consider alternative methods to bolster the international competitiveness of the German league.
Zorniger and others feel that clubs and players are being blackmailed by supporters.
The situation escalated during a second division match between Nuremberg and Kaiserslautern, where fans invaded the pitch, nearly leading to the game's suspension. It resumed only after players, coaches, and the arrival of police persuaded fans to leave the playing area.
"We players suffer, a normal game isn't possible anymore," Dortmund midfielder Emre Can said.
Unrest grew after the first and second-division clubs held a second vote in favor of an investor after the first voting had failed.
Fans fear investors might gain too much influence.
While other leagues in other countries are opening doors for investors, German football is relying on the so-called 50 plus-one rule, forcing clubs to keep the majority of shares in their hands.
Fans fear the current plans lead to the fall of the current rules while the league association and clubs are concerned about losing ground in international markets.
DFL CEO Andreas Retting admitted things are getting out of order while fan organizations have rejected the offer to talk things over while some officials demand a re-vote.
Stuttgart president Claus Vogt echoed the sentiment for reconsideration, emphasizing the need to address fan concerns.
The league's proposal includes creating an internationally accessible streaming platform to enhance the global appeal of German football.
DFL director Steffen Merkel said fans must accept they don't own football. "We have significant interest games don't need to be suspended," Merkel said.
Frankfurt board member Axel Hellmann demanded a solution and said an official re-vote request by a club must be considered. Several clubs such as Cologne, Schalke, and Darmstadt announced to ask for a re-vote shortly.
