Financial set-up of clubs

There are some differences between the Bundesliga and the Premier League you should all be aware of.

Club ownership in Germany, for instance, is one of them and unique amongst all European top leagues. Professional teams in the 1. and 2. Bundesliga can only be issued a licence if they adhere to the so called 50+1 rule. This rule states that a single investor must not hold a club's absolute majority of votes in the assembly. More than half of the votes have to be owned by the club or its members.

50+1 was introduced in 1999. One consequence of the ruling is that only a few foreign investors are owning shares of Bundesliga clubs. Ordinary fans have therefore much more of a voice when decisions are taken, as they usually hold shares as well. Clubs are therefore cultivating close contacts with their fan base.

The cheapest season ticket in the Allianz Arena, Bayern Munich's home stadium, costs only 120 Euros, which is less then 6 £ per game!