The DFL's investor plan is an attempt by German football to keep up with the Premier League's financial dominance

The Bundesliga may be one of Europe's richest leagues, but it is losing pace with England and Spain. Investment and a focus on international marketing is the first step in addressing that major issues

It would seem as though 2023 will end on a rather sombre note for many Bundesliga fans. News off the field remains dominated by the recent decision by the DFL and its member clubs to open the door to external investors in a bid to raise €1 billion from selling a stake of its TV and marketing rights. Cue tennis balls on pitches across the league.

For a country that often prides itself on keeping in touch with the typical fan, either through the famed 50+1 rule that allows a democratisation of football clubs that is rarely seen elsewhere in European football, or the simple act of limiting the price of tickets and the number of games scheduling outside of the usual Saturday/Sunday kick off times, this news has been taken by sum as an affront on the very essence of German football.

However, when we take a closer look at the state of the Bundesliga’s finances and it’s attempts to keep up with the all-conquering Premier League, we find plenty of legitimate concerns and, perhaps, an understanding as to why this plan was put in place and voted through by the very clubs that make up German football.