In a unique display of dissent, German football fans recently expressed their disapproval of the German Football League's (DFL) proposed media rights deal by hurling chocolate coins onto the pitch during a Bundesliga match. The DFL is planning to raise up to a billion euros by selling a stake in media rights next year, but this move has been met with significant backlash from supporters' groups across Germany.
The DFL aims to finalize an agreement worth between 900 million and 1 billion euros ($1.09 billion) by the end of March. This deal will award media rights for the German market for 2025-2029. The decision comes as European leagues increasingly view broadcasting arrangements as an effective strategy to boost revenue and expand their global reach.
Germany’s first and second league soccer clubs voted earlier this week in favor of allowing an investor to acquire a stake in the media rights firm.
However, this move has not been well-received by fans who fear that selling stakes to outside investors could compromise the integrity of their beloved sport. Supporters' groups across Germany have announced plans for protests against the DFL's decision.
One such protest took place during last weekend's matches when fans held up banners expressing their disapproval at Friday’s 2-2 Bundesliga draw of Borussia Moenchengladbach vs Werder Bremen. In addition, Gladbach’s fans threw chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil onto the field after concluding a planned 12-minute silent protest post-kick-off.
Due to dozens of chocolate coins on the pitch, the game was paused and ended in a draw after it was resumed
The unusual protest led to an interruption during playtime when Werder was leading 1-0 against Gladbach. Stadium staff had to pause proceedings for five minutes while they cleared away chocolate coins from the pitch with assistance from officials.
Despite these disruptions from Borussia Monchengladbach fans, once play resumed, Rocco Reitz scored twice to give hosts Gladbach the lead. However, Marvin Ducksch's 76th-minute equaliser earned Werder a share of the spoils.
Currently, Gladbach stands ninth in the standings with 17 points from 15 games, two points ahead of 12th-placed Werder.
The chocolate coin protest is a clear indication that fans are not afraid to voice their concerns about potential changes in football's financial landscape. As leagues and clubs continue to explore new revenue streams, they must also consider how these decisions impact their most loyal supporters. The DFL will need to address these concerns as it moves forward with its media rights deal.
