Bertolt Brecht once quoted in his “Threepenny Opera,” “First comes the eating, then comes the morals.” This statement could be interpreted differently in relation to the end (provisional) of the German Football League’s (DFL) investor plans for professional football. The DFL seemed to have bitten off more than it could chew while preparing this billion-dollar plan. The plan didn’t resonate well with those who view football as more than just a business venture.
Most of the active fans and many others in Germany who regard football as a cultural asset welcomed this decision. They saw it as a triumph of reason over corporatism. However, after its retreat, the DFL appears to have come off worse, and some decision-makers might feel that German club football has indeed suffered a setback, particularly in its pursuit of future competitiveness on the global stage.
Until recently, it was uncertain what the actual cost of such a venture would be. The DFL drew its boundaries and attempted to placate the masses: no games abroad, no further fragmentation of match days. These efforts were hardly convincing; the league seemed more interested in outlining what definitely wouldn’t happen, rather than explaining why a deal like this with a so-called strategic partner is so crucial.
Some club officials have lost their connection to the grassroots
But the DFL’s biggest folly was underestimating the power of the fanbase. The spectators in the stadiums aren’t just passive consumers who will go along with anything as long as the game is on. The league had to backtrack on Monday games. This could have served as a lesson, but it did not.
However, the DFL isn’t the only one to face backlash; certain clubs too have demonstrated their disconnect with their fans due to their insatiable desire for more profits. It was only after the opaque voting process a few weeks back that some club officials started to comprehend the situation. They began to question how they failed to anticipate such widespread rejection from their own supporters.
This decision also marks a victory for the protest movement. The fans in the stadiums expressed their dissatisfaction through peaceful and creative means; no harm was done. Instead, they staged demonstrations that deserved recognition for their creativity, such as remote-controlled airplanes or cars on the football pitch.
However, the DFL’s downfall is not a cause for celebration. Football, particularly those who profit significantly from it, will continue to seek new revenue streams. And they will find them sooner or later. Perhaps, they will approach it differently, in a less blatant and clumsy manner than they did while seeking investors. Because, as Bertolt Brecht stated: “The shark has teeth.” This implies that sooner or later, it will feel the hunger again.
