More Harry Kanes, fewer fans? What landmark investor vote means for the Bundesliga

The Bundesliga as we know it is changing.

Club bosses of the 36 sides in the top two German divisions have, by the slightest margin possible, voted to allow the DFL, the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga’s governing body, to negotiate with an investor to flush fresh funds into German elite football. The goal? To establish the top flight as the second-best and second-most-attractive league in Europe behind the Premier League.

In May, a similar vote had already failed to garner the necessary two-thirds majority, but this time around, a single vote made all the difference. It is a landmark result that is dividing opinions. While many fans feel betrayed, especially in light of what is happening to the French Ligue 1 since CVC came on board, many club chiefs, particularly those of the bigger sides that will most stand to gain from this vote, are rejoicing.

Given the unique conditions in the Bundesliga, what with the vaunted 50+1 rule, the plans that will now be implemented are still relatively modest. Compared to other leagues, the investor should, in theory at least, only have a very limited say in how things are run; in practice, things will likely look quite different – and this is what fans are dreading.