German football authorities have abandoned their proposal to sell a share of Bundesliga TV broadcasting rights in return for investment, citing persistent fan protests over the course of several months.
The Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) stated that it made the decision following several disruptions during recent matches.
In December, the majority of clubs voted in favor of an investment plan valued at up to £860m (1bn euros).
“Continuation of the process no longer seems possible,” said DFL spokesman Hans-Joachim Watzke.
“Even if there is a large majority in favour of the entrepreneurial necessity of the strategic partnership, German professional football is in the midst of a crucial test, which is causing major disputes,” he said, following an emergency meeting of the DFL on Wednesday.
He added that the disputes were “increasingly jeopardising match operations, specific match schedules and thus the integrity of the competition”.
The DFL’s proposal, governing the top two tiers of German football, was ratified on December 11, with two-thirds of clubs endorsing it.
In response, fans voiced their opposition. During Bochum’s 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich on Sunday, tennis balls were hurled onto the pitch. Similarly, the Bundesliga 2 match between Hansa Rostock and Hamburg last Saturday saw remote-controlled cars carrying smoke bombs causing interruptions.
Earlier this month, Borussia Dortmund’s 3-0 home win against Freiburg was paused for 10 minutes due to supporters tossing tennis balls and chocolate gold coins onto the field. Protest banners, including one reading “No to investors in the DFL,” were also displayed.
Further disruptions occurred when Hamburg fans attached three padlocks to each goal during their Bundesliga 2 triumph over Hannover, causing a delay in play until the locks were removed.