Women’s Bundesliga clubs leave German FA to form independent league

The departure of the women’s Bundesliga comes a quarter of a century after the men’s league left the DFB tent. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

The German Football Association (DFB) on Friday rubber-stamped the departure of the 14 clubs in the women’s Bundesliga to form an independent league.

Last December, the disgruntled clubs issued a statement saying they planned to manage and promote the German women’s top flight “without the participation of the DFB”.

Following negotiations between the sides, a virtual DFB meeting of 233 delegates on Friday voted unanimously to approve the departure, which comes a quarter of a century after the men’s Bundesliga left the DFB tent.

“International competition has become more intense; others are investing heavily. Our shared aim must be to firmly establish women’s football at the very top,” DFB President Bernd Neuendorf told the meeting.

“It is a significant decision on the direction we are taking and an important step forward. The future of football will be more female,” he added.

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Under an agreement, which will come into force on July 1 next year, the DFB will pay the Frauen-Bundesliga (FBL) between 1.4 and 1.6 million euros ($1.6mn-$1.8mn) annually for releasing players to national teams and will share 50 per cent of any “financial surplus from the final tournaments of the women’s senior national team”, although three per cent of FBL media revenues will go to the DFB.

The league’s TV rights – which generate 5.17mn euros per season - are due to expire in 2027. The FBL will also have a seat on the DFB council.

“The foundations have been laid for us to further develop the Women’s Bundesliga both in sporting and economic terms. The responsibility now lies in our hands,” said FBL president Katharina Kiel.

The clubs announced their decision to leave the day after Germany was confirmed as host of the Women’s Euros in 2029, after a dispute over decision-making powers escalated.