HAMBURG - The Bundesliga is coming back but all is not well in
German football.
In a recent survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of dpa, 46 per cent
spoke out against games behind closed doors. Only 34 per cent were in
favour.
But games without fans are just one part of the problem and German
Football League (DFL) boss Christian Seifert has acknowledged that
the Bundesliga needs an overhaul. Here is a list of major issues.
FINANCES: In the 2018/19 season, the Bundesliga made a record 4.02
billion euros (4.41 billion dollars). And yet, due to the coronavirus
crisis, several clubs such as Schalke found themselves in a situation
of existential crisis. Media reports said 13 of the 36 clubs in the
top two divisions in Germany were threatened with bankruptcy.
The dependency on television money, which accounts for more than a
third of revenues, is striking. Several clubs pledge TV bonuses not
yet received to banks in advance in order to remain liquid.
One possible remedy would be to pay more attention in the licensing
process to how clubs are positioned economically in the long term and
not just with a view to the next season.
The future of the 50+1 rule, whereby no investor can control a
majority of shares, could be brought back into focus as clubs try to
compete with rich benefactors in the English Premier League. But any
abolition of the rule would be hugely unpopular with many fans.
SALARIES:
The earnings of many players are one reason why clubs get
into economic difficulties even without the coronavirus pandemic.
According to a DFL report, the 18 Bundesliga clubs pay more than 1.4
billion euros in salaries for coaches and players per season. This is
by far the largest item of expenditure.
A salary cap could come under serious consideration but it will not
be legally enforceable in Germany and Europe. It is also hard to
imagine the DFL going it alone, as this would make the Bundesliga
unattractive for top stars compared to the Premier League or Spain.
TRANSFER SUMS:
The DFL believes fees of over 100 million euros for a
player are unsustainable but tackling the issue is as difficult as
salaries. Transfer sums though are expected to fall in any case with
clubs throughout Europe reassessing their spending after the crisis.
But sides such as Qatari-owned Paris St Germain may see little
impact.
PLAYERS:
Gold-plated steaks, young professionals in luxury cars,
holiday photos on social media with model girlfriends - many players
have contributed to a fan backlash against the modern-day footballer.
In a coronavirus world, players could be better taught by clubs to
not flaunt their wealth so much. A new closeness to the fans may be
necessary for clubs to keep all their supporters while they are not
allowed to attend games - players can have a major role in this.
COMPETITIONS:
The worldwide football calendar is becoming
increasingly full. New tournaments such as the revamped Club World
Cup are so far unpopular with supporters, who believe national
leagues, the Champions League, Europa League, World Cup and European
Championship are enough. Bundesliga teams are unlikely to push for
anything new for a while.
TELEVISION:
The television landscape has become increasingly
confusing for football fans in Germany. Live games on free TV are
rare. Despite understandable efforts to get the most money out of the
rights allocation, German football now looks less likely to let the
entire product disappear behind paywalls.
Winning back fans is the key to the Bundesliga's chances of
prospering again.