(Reuters) – The German Football League (DFL) is aiming to secure up to a billion euros by selling a stake in media rights next year. However, the league encountered an unexpected disruption on Friday when discontented fans threw chocolate coins onto the field, causing a stoppage in a Bundesliga match.
This move comes as Germany’s first and second league soccer clubs recently voted to allow an investor to acquire a stake in the media rights firm. This trend reflects the growing consideration of broadcasting arrangements as a means to enhance revenue and expand global outreach among European leagues.
The DFL has asserted its goal to finalize a deal valued between 900 million and 1 billion euros ($1.09 billion) by the end of March. This is in preparation for the awarding of media rights for the German market for the years 2025-2029.
Supporters’ groups across Germany have made public their plans to protest the DFL’s decision to sell to external investors. This includes a 12-minute silent demonstration following the kick-off during this weekend’s matches.
During the 2-2 Bundesliga draw between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Werder Bremen on Friday, fans displayed banners expressing their disapproval. Furthermore, Gladbach’s supporters took the additional step of throwing chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil onto the field after the conclusion of the silent protest.
With Werder holding a 1-0 lead, the match experienced a five-minute stoppage in the first half as stadium personnel, assisted by the officials, cleared the pitch. Following the restart, Rocco Reitz scored twice for the hosts, putting Gladbach in the lead before Marvin Ducksch secured a 76th-minute equalizer for Werder, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
Gladbach is currently ranked ninth in the standings with 17 points from 15 games, two points ahead of 12th-placed Werder.
($1 = 0.9179 euros)
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Tom Hogue)
