The problem with trying to apply the German ownership model to English clubs is evident if you examine how the 50+1 rule came about in Germany.
Historically, German teams were not-for-profit organisations run by members’ associations, and until 1998 private ownership of any kind was prohibited. The 50+1 rule, was introduced that year to permit, and to encourage private investment into the clubs.
So the members (or fans, call them what you will) of the German clubs converted their clubs into public or private limited companies, and sold up to 49% of their shares to private investors - not the other way around as would be the case in England.
I cannot see any mechanism whereby the current owners of English clubs could be obliged to simply hand over a controlling interest in their clubs to “the fans”. Even if legislation was enacted (removing football clubs from the remit of company law) that forced the owners to sell 51% of their stake to “the fans”, who or what would decide on an equitable price for the shares; likewise who or what decides who would be eligible to enter into the market to buy these shares?
I will surprise you enormously here, but I don’t think that the average English fan is less intelligent than the average German one.
Woohooo, big shock!
Anyway, 50+1 won’t happen because of the reason @Lowton_Red explains very well above. It’s unfortunate, but only a situation which would lead billionaires or state funds to disinvest themselves from football (ie. less money) could lead to a change. As long as there is so much money at stake, they won’t go away.
They basically started the club from scratch and allowed only a tiny number shares, mostly distributed among Red Bull employees. Their 50+1 is fulfilled by a group of around only 20 people. In Dortmund its near 150,000.
I am really glad Hendo spoke to the fans. He is such a level headed, calm and sensible character. He is a true leader. His words will at least help diffuse the tension amongst the fanbase, especially us emotional ones. Also, Jurgen was very reassuring and balanced in his words in calming the situation down. If they hadn’t spoken about it, the stand off between the ultras and FSG would have carried on. Arsenal fans are seething at the moment outside the Emirates ground.
Hopefully, this ESL idea will die down once the football starts.
SOS do a lot of good work for match going fans e.g. representing disabled fans and the issues they encounter. They also do a lot of work in the local community such as collecting and distributing food parcels. They were out with buckets raising money for Sean Cox.
If you were to just go off what was written about them on here you’d think they were just a load of scallies on a soapbox. They do plenty of good.
Agreed Maria. And if I’m being completely honest, listening to both Hendo and Jürgen was enough for me. I’m willing to forgive and look forward. Maybe I’m just a lemming, maybe I’m just a pushover. I love our club and there’s really nothing to gain by remaining entrenched in all the negativity. I’m actually a little annoyed by the people persisting and belaboring all of the drama and dragging this on. It was a mistake and it was corrected.
