Women’s Bundesliga sets course for next steps

Following intensive, open-ended discussions, the general meeting of FBL e.V. on Thursday, 5 February, determined that the positions and framework conditions communicated by the DFB in recent weeks for cooperation within the framework of a joint venture cannot be fulfilled. On the basis of these discussions, the FBL e.V. will seek further dialogue on alternative forms of partnership-based cooperation with the DFB.

Katharina Kiel, president of the Frauen Bundesliga FBL e.V., explained: "First and foremost, we as the executive committee would like to thank our members for their constructive cooperation over the past few weeks. As announced, we have discussed and examined all options with an open mind. At the same time, we would like to thank DFB president Bernd Neuendorf for his intensive and solution-orientated conduct of negotiations. Even if we did not find a way to work together as part of a joint venture, the process was important because it clearly identified the key questions and answers. We will take this clarity into further talks with the DFB. For us, the decisive factor is that the future of the Women's Bundesliga must be shaped where the sporting and economic engine lies - with the clubs. They bear the greatest responsibility for investment and implementation and therefore need clear responsibilities, a high capacity to act and governance that accelerates growth and increases competitiveness."