Borussia Dortmund’s manager, Edin Terzic, has called for a prompt and sensible resolution to address supporter complaints regarding proposed foreign investment in the Bundesliga. The plea comes after matches on Saturday were marred by frequent disruptions from protesting fans.
Clubs in Germany’s top two divisions voted in December to greenlight a proposal allowing a financial investor to acquire a share of the German Football League’s (DFL) media arm in a deal valued between 900 million and 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion).
Terzic expressed his desire for a quick solution, stating, “I think we’d all like to see a quick and sensible solution, whether we’re on the pitch or on the line.” He added, “I believe that nobody, regardless of whether they were here today as a fan alone, in a group, or with their family, imagines the soccer experience in this way.”
Dortmund faced a 1-1 draw at VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday, with play repeatedly halted as fans threw tennis balls and other items onto the pitch. Terzic commented on the disruptions, saying, “We are all here to watch the sport and to fight for points and goals. Unfortunately, that didn’t take place over 90 minutes today, but for an extremely long time with lots of interruptions.”
The frequent interruptions prompted player complaints, with Dortmund midfielder Emre Can expressing his frustration, “I think it’s a good thing, but at some point, it’s enough. We suffer extremely from it and lose our rhythm.” Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel acknowledged the right to protest but emphasized the impact on players, especially when “marbles and rubber balls are thrown in.”
Despite the disruptions, all affected matches resumed, with two games briefly seeing teams sent to the changing rooms. DFL managing director Marc Lenz warned that the league would not tolerate match cancellations, stating, “It’s ok if week after week we are peacefully and proportionately reminded of the importance of staying within the red lines in the negotiations.” He added, “But if you are referring to possible match cancellations, the clubs and us could not accept that.”
The DFL had previously urged fans not to “indulge in horror scenarios” in a statement on Feb. 8, emphasizing that they would not suffer any disadvantages as a result of the proposed investment deal.
