The head of the German Football League (DFL), Hans-Joachim Watzke, revealed in a statement to the organization's official press service that the invitation to investors from Saudi Arabia is no longer relevant due to fans' boycott.
Watzke emphasized that from a business perspective, the vast majority of DFL members were in favor of developing a strategic partnership. However, the actions of fans protesting against the involvement of Middle Eastern businessmen in the Bundesliga resolved the issue in favor of rejecting the collaboration.
The viability of a successful contract as regards to financing for the 36 clubs can therefore no longer be assured, given the circumstances.
It's worth noting that fans have disrupted matches with protest actions. For instance, during the first half of the 21st round match between Union Berlin and Wolfsburg (1-0), 25 extra minutes were added due to fans throwing tennis balls onto the field. In the following matchday, the game between Freiburg and Eintracht (3-3) was interrupted because of radio-controlled planes launched onto the field.
