„50+1 must fall“: Hoeneß talks about the Bundesliga’s problems | OneFootball

In the latest episode of the OMR Podcast, Uli Hoeneß has some strong words to say about the future of the Bundesliga and the idea of a European Super League. The honorary president of FC Bayern makes it clear why he believes the project of major European clubs is dangerous – and why the Bundesliga still urgently needs reforms.

The Super League debate is back, driven by clubs such as Real Madrid. For Hoeneß, however, this is the wrong approach. He emphasizes that the attractiveness of European soccer stems precisely from its diversity and not from a closed elite league. „I don’t believe in always doing the same thing.“

He warns against the monotony of such a league and gives an example that makes people sit up and take notice: „If you play Barcelona five or three times a year, then it also becomes less interesting. There would be a certain amount of wear and tear.“

Instead, he praises the new Champions League mode. The variety of opponents, the different locations and the changing challenges – that’s exactly what makes the European competition so fascinating. „I really like the new mode. The fact that you play against different teams every year.“

For Hoeneß, one thing is clear: it is not tradition that prevents the Super League, but the natural appeal of a competition that thrives on variety.

Bundesliga under obligation – why Hoeneß believes 50+1 must be dropped

Despite his rejection of the Super League, Hoeneß believes the Bundesliga is in a structural race that Germany will not win without reforms. The honorary president is calling for the framework conditions to be adapted – and once again openly expresses one of his most controversial positions. „I believe that sooner or later the 50+1 rule will have to be dropped in Germany.“

Hoeneß emphasizes that FC Bayern itself would not benefit from this: the club is internally bound by the voluntary commitment to sell a maximum of 30 percent, and this would require a three-quarters majority of the members anyway. He is therefore not interested in benefits for the record champions.

Rather, he argues in favour of the league: clubs such as Frankfurt, Stuttgart or Cologne could rise to new financial dimensions through investors – and thus strengthen the Bundesliga as a whole. At the same time, he expresses understanding for the fans who cling to old structures: „In a democracy, majority decisions are necessary – and so far it has not been possible to achieve these majorities.“

Hoeneß makes it clear, however, that the desire for European competitiveness and adherence to old structures are becoming less and less compatible: without adaptation, the Bundesliga could lose touch in the long term.

Between tradition and modernity – German soccer is at a crossroads

For Hoeneß, the future of the Bundesliga is therefore a balancing act. On the one hand, he passionately defends the importance of the domestic league: „You must not forget where the roots are. The roots are in the Bundesliga.“ On the other hand, he is ruthless about the international reality: more money, more competitive pressure, more professionalization.

His message is clear: the Bundesliga needs the courage to change without giving up on itself. At the same time, it must resist the greatest temptation of the present: the Super League.