Clubs Break Away from DFB in German Women's Football Governance Rift Amid €100 Million Investment Dispute

A significant conflict has erupted in German women's football governance just days after Germany was awarded the hosting rights for the 2029 UEFA Women's European Championship. Fourteen Frauen-Bundesliga clubs have decided to establish their own league association, the "Frauen-Bundesliga FBL e.V.," independently of the German Football Association (DFB). This decisive move comes after negotiations with the DFB collapsed over disagreements on control and investment conditions.

According to reports, the deal for a joint women's Bundesliga company (FBL GmbH), which was to be equally owned by the DFB and clubs and aimed at enhancing marketing and professionalization, has been put on hold. Key Bundesliga executives—including Jan-Christian Dreesen of Bayern Munich and Axel Hellmann of Frankfurt—expressed their dissatisfaction, claiming that the DFB introduced unacceptable demands late in the process, especially a new requirement that decisions require a two-thirds majority, which the clubs saw as an attempt by the DFB to retain disproportionate control.

The DFB had pledged to invest €100 million in the women's Bundesliga over eight years, while the clubs intended to contribute at least €700 million. However, the sudden challenges from the DFB surfaced just as contracts neared completion, causing the clubs to feel misled and decide unanimously to proceed without the DFB’s involvement. DFB General Secretary Holger Blask expressed surprise at the clubs' criticism but reaffirmed the federation's commitment to the league's development.

This discord emerges amid heightened attention on women's football in Germany as the country prepares to host the 2029 Women’s EURO, complicating the future relationship between the DFB and the clubs. The dispute also places pressure on DFB President Bernd Neuendorf, who had highlighted the €100 million investment as a key achievement before his re-election.

Separately, in an important development for player welfare, former national player and 2016 Olympic gold medalist Melanie Leupolz has been appointed the DFB’s coordinator for Female Player Care and Development. She will address critical health issues affecting female players, including the high incidence of cruciate ligament injuries, topics like pregnancy and the female cycle, as well as support players with career transitions. DFB women's football head Nia Künzer praised Leupolz’s expertise and experience, underlining the federation's focus on player health and career support amid the evolving professional landscape.

Together, these developments illustrate a pivotal moment of transformation and tension in German women’s football, balancing governance reforms with renewed focus on player health and professionalization.