5 reasons why the Bundesliga is not so competitive

#1 The 50+1 rule

The Yellow Wall of Dortmund needs no introduction

When it comes to football, fans have a major role to play. The case is more so in the Bundesliga thanks to the 50+1 rule. As per this rule, all Bundesliga clubs are required to meet the minimum threshold of 51 percent ownership by the club members. Private investors cumulatively are not allowed to hold a stake of more than 49 percent in any club.

The 50+1 rule has been in place since 1998, before which no private investment was allowed. This rule has done much good to the league. It has kept player wages and ticket prices in check. It has helped preserve the fan culture in the Bundesliga. But the biggest harm that it has done is that it has limited the financial prowess of the Bundesliga clubs.

The 50+1 rule means lack of huge money inflow through external investors. Bundesliga sides are thereby always short on money when it comes to the transfer market. As a result, they fail to bid big and capture targets in a time of mega money moves.

Bundesliga sides are thus unable to attract the biggest talents in Europe and are left to make do with cheaper substitutes or homegrown talent. This limits the strength of the clubs and lowers the kind of competition they can offer. This is reflective on the European stage as well because Bayern Munich are the only German side still competing in the Champions League.