TRUMPF’s Post

Rumors are spreading about the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga reevaluating processes to get external funding. And why not? After the last process wasn't successful, I am sure that some of the representatives who initially voted against it changed their mind. It appears that not everyone understood the impact of their rejection and realized now what it means. But it's also clear that we need to do a better job in explaining what we actually want.    The usage of terms like "investors" is problematic, given their negative associations in the context of German football. This skepticism is well-founded, considering the unfavorable experiences the sport has had with investors here. It's important to note, however, that we haven't engaged with investors per se, but rather potential strategic partners. This distinction isn't trivial; the term "partner" holds great significance for all clubs.    In my view, it's essential that we don't allow our European rivals to gain an upper hand. The 50+1 rule already imposes limitations on us, and it would be counterproductive to further stifle ourselves. Thus, I'm firmly in favor of exploring fresh opportunities and avenues.   Blocking these by defending positions for ideological reasons will result in blocking our future development. I want to move forward with the German football - and with ideas and concepts that bolster our competitiveness.   Take care, Fernando

Marcus Mann, Sporting Director of Hannover 96, on his general approach at the club: "We have always done well to approach things realistically. We have only strengthened in certain areas this year. There is no major upheaval. This is one way to be successful in the second division in the long term." "We have set ourselves goals in terms of content: to become more stable, to cope better with setbacks, to be more resilient & to play our game - even if we are behind. We have to do better overall. That has to be the way." "In principle, very few clubs are happy to pay transfer fees. Keeping within the budget is perfectly fine and part of it. As a Swabian, thrift was something I was born with." "We're not throwing money around, we're going into our fifth year in the second division. But that's no reason to complain." [Kicker] = Each week, I send one email with principles that sharp decision makers in football use to gain an edge. It's always short [5 minutes or less] & comes every Saturday morning. Join 1K+ leaders here: https://saturdaysd.gr8.com

I had the opportunity to have a long talk with Prof Matthias Lochmann and I was pleasantly impressed by his clarity of concepts on such important issues in #youth football. Those hours were the best Masterclass I have had in the field of #football. I strongly recommend to follow his posts. #fussball #bundesliga #soccer #futbol #science #sport #bigdata

🌨 ⚽Weather Woes in Football: A Call to Action ⚽ 🌨 Recent events, such as the cancellation of Bayern Munich's game with Union Berlin due to extreme weather, highlight the increasing challenges faced by European football. Weather-related game cancellations are on the rise, impacting both clubs and leagues, leading to significant revenue losses. Top-tier clubs often weather the storm, but lower football leagues face greater challenges due to limited resources for ground protection. Studies in the UK reveal that approximately 62,500 amateur football matches are cancelled or delayed annually due to extreme weather conditions. At turfcoach we support clubs with cutting-edge technological tools to minimise the risks of game cancellations and avoid unplanned financial setbacks. While we can't control the weather, we can better equip ourselves to face its challenges. Contact us at info@turfcoach.com to find out, how our technology can support your club.

❓ Shareholder primacy: what is it? 👨🎓 The principle that shareholder interests are paramount in board decision making. Profit above all else. ❓ And why do we need to get rid of it, at least in football? 🧑🏼🎓 An example from Germany: Borussia Dortmund have signed a sponsorship deal with Europe’s largest weapons manufacturer, Rheinmetall. The name of a company that makes deadly weapons will now be plastered across the advertising boards at Dortmund’s iconic stadium. A club once known for its fan-first approach and legendary “yellow wall” will now be part of the PR machine of an weapons manufacturer. ❓How do we do it in the UK? 👨🎓There are two approaches. First, in general, we amend the Companies Act to put shareholder interests on a par with other interests, such as the community and the environment. My wonderful colleagues at Bates Wells have worked on the Better Business Act, which achieves exactly that aim: https://lnkd.in/gEe4SQG2 Second, in football, we incorporate good decision-making in the Football Governance Code, to be adopted by the incoming Independent Football Regulator. I will be working on this in the coming months. https://lnkd.in/gDR_Z3tJ

Unlocking history: Steffen Hofmann's vision for Rapid Vienna's renaissance At the helm of SK Rapid, Managing Director Steffen Hofmann is orchestrating a revival rooted in homegrown talent and strategic innovation. With his deep connections to the club and profound understanding of its legacy, Hofmann is committed to reclaiming the club's storied position at the pinnacle of Austrian football. Here’s how this former player is leading a bold turnaround. 1: Why is Hofmann focusing on homegrown talent for Rapid Vienna’s resurgence? Hofmann believes that investing in local, young talent is essential for sustainable success. By nurturing players from the academy to the first team, Rapid Vienna aims to foster a strong, cohesive team that resonates with the club's values and long-term ambitions. This strategy not only builds a robust squad but also enhances fan connection and loyalty. 2: What are some of the key challenges Rapid Vienna faces in the Austrian football landscape? The club confronts formidable competition from teams like FC Red Bull Salzburg, who have secured 10 consecutive titles, and others like SK Sturm Graz and LASK, who have strengthened through European campaigns and lucrative player transfers. Despite these challenges, Hofmann is optimistic about bridging this divide with a refined strategy and a focus on solidifying the club's foundation. 3: How does Hofmann plan to enhance Rapid Vienna’s financial stability and fan engagement? Under Hofmann's leadership, the club is maximizing the potential of Allianz Stadium to boost matchday and commercial revenues. A modern stadium, coupled with a unique matchday experience tailored to Vienna's diverse culture, aims to cultivate a strong, enduring fan base that supports the club through ups and downs. 4: What steps are being taken to ensure the successful implementation of Rapid Vienna’s strategy? Hofmann has acknowledged the necessity of clarity and cohesion within the club. This involves ensuring that everyone—from the academy to the first team—understands and works towards the same objectives. The strategy also requires adapting to the continuous evolution of football, focusing not just on immediate results but on the potential of players and the overall progress of the team. #Partnership #Broadcasting #SportsBusiness #Commercial #Sponsorship #Football #SportsBiz #Finance #People #Data #Tech #Intelligence #Investment Full interview 👇 https://lnkd.in/deTVHaVE

Is the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz, Austria, home to LASK, the most breathtaking stadium backdrop in Europe🌎? Beauty is subjective, but every football executive should take note of LASK's story👇🏻. A decade ago, LASK teetered on bankruptcy due to poor decisions. Dubbed "the ice age of LASK" by the managing director, the club played in Austria's third tier, often on a rented stadium outside of the city, as they couldn't cover their own stadium's costs. However, a group of local investors intervened, sparking an incredible resurgence. The club ascended to Austria's premier league, nearly clinched a Champions League spot, and inaugurated the 19,000-capacity Raiffeisen Arena in February. What stood out during my recent visit to LASK isn't just their recovery – many European clubs have been rescued by investors. It's their ambition: aiming to be a regular topclub in Austrian football, make their mark in Europe, and establish enduring financial health. Their trajectory is steered by President Siegmund Gruber, a business-savvy leader more engrossed in budgets, growth rates📈, and ROI than match outcomes or transfers. “I had a conversation with a local journalist, and he wanted to know if I would be disappointed if we couldn’t improve this season from finishing in third position last season. I had to tell him that frankly I had not even thought about it, because what is on my mind is whether our squad is developing in terms of value and in terms of being able to compete in the long run. Then we might end up being fifth this season, which wouldn’t necessarily be great, but my ambition is to create a solid business and winning team for the long-term future,” explained the President when I had a chat with him about his work at LASK. I look forward to do a proper interview with Siegmund Gruber in the near future🎤. #SportsBusiness #Commercial #Strategy #Ownership #Data #Finance #People #Investment #SportsBiz

Bremen Deutschland

Weaponising Sport - literally! The sponsorship of #German soccer giant Borussia Dortmund by #arms and #weapons manufacturer Rheinmetall is #absurd!!! We have 'green washing', 'political washing', 'human rights washing,' and now 'blood washing'. This decision wouldn't have come lightly. It would have been months in negotiation, Board meetings and negotiations, and finally a vote. In a country which still lives by the mantra "never again" - this is just the most insane decision based on only one thing - $$$$. There are those that would argue that Rheinmetall has as much right to sponsor sport as the Public Investment Fund (PIF) (The Saudis), or McDonald's - who push low-grade food into diets around the world, or The Coca-Cola Company..... The reasoning given by Borussia Dortmund CEO @Hans-Joachim Watzke in this Nytimestoday News article was... "that the club was “consciously opening ourselves up to a dialogue” by becoming partners with a weapons manufacturer. (Watzke) said the partnership reflected the role that a company like Rheinmetall has come to play in German society, since the country stepped in to support Ukraine after it was invaded by Russia." “Security and defense are fundamental cornerstones of our democracy,” Mr. Watzke said. “Especially today, when we see every day how freedom must be defended in Europe. We should deal with this new normality.” I think it was just about the $$$$!!! I'm not sure promoting the 'new normal' on the front of a German soccer shirt is what supporters want to see when they go to escape from their every day, not to mention completely out of step with National and International views on Germanys relationship with war. The reputational damage to Borussia Dortmund has been swift and deep. How long until they admit they made a mistake? https://lnkd.in/gr2jYE3H

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇩🇪 From the Three Lions in Thuringia to the Leipzig Heart: Inspiring Innovation in Football and MedTech 🦁❤️💉 On a warm summer evening in Berlin, I had the privilege of engaging in a thought-provoking discussion with Wolfgang Tiefensee, a prominent figure in German politics over many decades . Our conversation covered many topics, including two that are close to my heart: medical technology and sports. 🗣️💡 Thuringia, a region renowned for its innovation in the medtech sector, is currently hosting the English football team, led by Gareth Southgate, as they prepare for the European Football Championship 2024 Semi-Final clash against the Netherlands. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇳🇱 Tiefensee, who currently serves as the chairman of the SDP in Thuringia, has played a pivotal role in creating a welcoming and accommodating environment for the English squad, exemplifying the region's unwavering commitment to hospitality. 🤝🏨 Meanwhile, in the city of Leipzig, the Leipzig Heart Centre stands as a shining example of the transformative impact that visionary leadership can have on medical technology. ❤️🩺 During his tenure as the Mayor of Leipzig, Wolfgang Tiefensee played a catalytic role in the establishment of this world-renowned center, laying the foundation for groundbreaking advancements in cardiovascular medicine, a field in which I have had the privilege of interacting with some of the world's leading KOLs over the past decade. 🔬🔧 As Thuringia continues to host the English football team and the region forges ahead with cutting-edge developments in medical technology, these regions serve as great examples of inspiration, demonstrating what can be achieved when communities wholeheartedly embrace innovation, hospitality, and a genuine desire to effect positive change. 🌟💪 In reflecting upon these achievements, one cannot help but wonder if British politicians could take a page from the playbook of their German counterparts. 🇩🇪🇬🇧 By fostering an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, leaders can unlock the true potential of their communities and drive meaningful progress across various sectors. 🔑🌍 Lets see if our newly elected British govenment may live up to these values. #EURO2024#Medtech##InnovationInspiration