Bayer Leverkusen Bundesliga title win would be a ‘marvellous’ feat that leaves a ‘bitter taste’, says German fan alliance
- The club’s exemptions from German club ownership rules has produced a ‘performance gap’, says Unsere Kurve
- Xabi Alonso’s team, which leads by 16 points, can claim the title this weekend, ending Bayern Munich’s run of 11 consecutive wins
The German fan alliance Unsere Kurve will recognise Bayer Leverkusen’s achievement to end Bayern Munich’s reign if they claim the Bundesliga title this season, but stressed it will leave a “bitter taste”.
“Bayer Leverkusen have had a marvellous season. It’s right to recognise this achievement,” the alliance said when asked about their views on the potential title for Leverkusen.
The team led by Xabi Alonso can claim the league title at the weekend, putting an end to Bayern’s run of 11 consecutive wins.
Unsere Kurve, however, said that neutral fans would be left with a “bitter taste” because of the “corresponding financial conditions, which are structurally different in Leverkusen due to the 50+1 exemption”.
Germany’s 50+1 rule means that clubs cannot be majority owned by one investor, but Leverkusen (owned by Bayer Pharmaceuticals) and VfL Wolfsburg (owned by Volkswagen) have exemptions from the rule, while RB Leipzig say they are not directly owned by Red Bull.
Unsere Kurve demanded the exemptions to be abolished. The large gap between Leverkusen and second-placed Bayern and third-placed VfB Stuttgart was also criticised.
