Ownership with fans in the Bundesliga

In the Bundesliga, many clubs are owned by their supporters, adhering to the 50+1, which ensures that at least 50% plus one share of a club is owned by members associations. This rule was introduced in 1998 to protect clubs from external investors and maintain a level of control over financial decisions.

What is the 50+1 rule?

The rule essentially means that fans must hold a majority of the voting rights within their own club and, therefore be in charge of what decisions the club makes from one year to the next.

Under DFL (German Football League) rules no club can take part in the German Bundesliga or the second tier 2. Bundesliga, if more than 49% of the clubs’ shares are owned by commercial investors or a single individual.

The only exceptions to the 50+1 rule in the Bundesliga are Bayer Leverkusen, Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim. This is due to in all three occasions in the clubs are able to work around the ruling because it has a clause that clubs shares can be brought up by a company or individual if they invest for more than 20 years.

Union Berlin

The origins of Union Berlin

Founded in 1966 in East Berlin, Union Berlin quickly became a beloved symbol for a working-class community of Kopenick. In a time when East Germanys soccer scene was dominated by state backed clubs like Dynamo Berlin, Union was the underdog. Despite facing immense challenges, Unions fans stayed fiercely loyal, earning the club a reputation for defiance and unity.

A club of the people

Union Berlin is proudly known as a “club of the people”. The motto “Eisern Union” (Iron Union) embodies the club’s spirit of resilience. Through good times and bad, fans have remained a vital part of Union Berlins identity and success.

Every December, fans gather at the stadium for a special Christmas celebration. Thousands come to sing carols, light candles, and share the festive spirit, highlighting the sense of family that makes Union Berlin unique.

The club’s achievements have sparked discussions about the value of fan involvement in soccer. At a time when financial power often dictates success, Union Berlins rise is a reminder that community and loyalty can still drive a club forward.

Union Berlin do a lot for the community and by so is Unions academy is dedicated to nurturing local talent, and eco-friendly initiatives are being implemented at the stadium this will help for the protection for the club’s future.

Stadion an Der Alten Forsterei is the home for Union Berlin and holds a special place for the supporters. In 2008, it was renovated entirely by fans, because the club was in dire straits financially. Altogether, fans have worked on the renovations for approximately 140 thousand hours. The supporters bought the stadium and every club member put in 500 euros each.