As Bayern Crisis Deepens, German Fans Prepare to Celebrate Victory Over DFL Plans

Bundesliga fans will be celebrating their victory over the German Football League’s (DFL) now-abandoned investment plans this weekend, while champions Bayern Munich grapple with their own crisis that threatens to disrupt their entire season.

In December, clubs from Germany’s top two tiers voted in favor of allowing a financial investor to acquire a stake in the DFL media arm in a deal worth between 900 million euros and 1 billion euros.

However, months of protests by fans, who disrupted numerous Bundesliga matches by throwing tennis balls and candy onto the pitch, led to a reversal on Wednesday by the DFL, which scrapped the planned stake sale.

While much attention will be on the stands and how fans, who viewed the proposed investment as further commercialization of the sport, will mark their triumph against the DFL’s plans, Bayern finds themselves in a more subdued mood.

The Bavarians, currently second in the Bundesliga, announced on Wednesday that they would part ways with coach Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season, a year earlier than his contract stipulates.

Nonetheless, they need to end their losing streak if they hope to salvage their campaign. On Saturday, they face RB Leipzig, contenders for a Champions League spot, hoping to break a three-game losing streak in all competitions. They’ve lost their last two league matches, falling eight points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen, who defeated them 3-0 earlier this month, with only 12 rounds remaining in the season.

REBRANDING

The 50-year-old Tuchel, who arrived with high expectations in March 2023, will now depart after just one full season, failing to meet expectations thus far. Bayern has announced plans to chart a new course following his departure.

“Until then, every individual at the club is urged to give their utmost in the Champions League and Bundesliga,” stated Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen.

The Bavarians find themselves in dire straits, with hopes of clinching a 12th consecutive league title quickly fading. They also suffered a 1-0 defeat to Lazio last week in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.

Meanwhile, Leipzig, trailing fourth-placed Borussia Dortmund by a point, are keen on securing a top-four finish to qualify for Champions League football next season.

“We are not concerned with what the media is saying about Bayern,” remarked Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. “Even if they are struggling at the moment, it’s still a game against the reigning champions at home.

“We need to be at our best, and perhaps we can secure three points against a world-class team again. Qualifying for the Champions League is our top priority.”

Source: ghmediaahub