Heft 4/2025

Inhaltsübersicht – Zeitschrift für Sport und Recht – Heft 4/2025

Das Heft 4/2025 der SpuRt wird postalisch in der 29. KW zugestellt und ist seit dem 10.07.2025 im Modul Sportrecht plus auf Beck-Online abrufbar.

Editorial

  • Hochzeit? (J.F. Orth, S. 321)

Aufsätze 

  • Die Verfassung des Weltfußballs und die Isolation Grönlands – Teil 1: Allgemeine Grundlagen (B. Schiffbauer, S. 322)

The article examines the challenges faced by Greenland in joining international football associations and delves into the broader constitutional framework of global football. After the UEFA in 2024 and the CONCACAF in 2025 rejected the application of Kalaallit Arsaattartut Kattuffiat (KAK), the Greenlandic football association, the article explores the legal norms governing national associations‘ membership in international federations. The structure of global football is characterized by a hierarchical system with FIFA at the top, followed by continental confederations and national associations, each with its own legal framework and jurisdiction. Membership constraints highlight the monopoly of these international bodies, formulating complex legal dependencies and signifying an asymmetrical power dynamic. The autonomy of football associations is varied. It is derived from and restricted by higher-ranking legal orders. International legal norms, particularly human rights treaties involving Switzerland (where FIFA and UEFA are based), exert significant influence on these associations. Additionally, the article outlines the diverse legal landscapes of the six continental confederations, including CONMEBOL, AFC, CAF, and OFC, alongside UEFA and CONCACAF. These confederations‘ autonomy and legal frameworks are shaped by national laws and relevant international treaties, revealing a multifaceted and multilayered governance system. With Greenland’s isolation in football as a focal point, the article sets out to articulate the mechanisms and legal intricacies that determine participation at the international level, intending to present a path forward for regions like Greenland to gain acceptance and inclusivity in global football.

The article discusses the German Federal Cartel Office’s (BKartA) recent assessment of the 50+1 rule in German football. The rule mandates that the original football clubs, i. e. registered associations, must maintain majority control of corporate entities wishing to participate in Germany’s top football leagues. The BKartA found the rule’s current form to be in violation of antitrust law. It is therefore invalid. The article notes that, according to the BKartA, the basic rule does not constitute a by-object restriction of competition and that it can fall under the Wouters/Meca Medina exception due to its socio-cultural goal of providing fans the opportunity to participate in decision-making. However, the rule’s current application lacks the necessary coherence, most notably seen in the case of RB Leipzig where access to voting membership is severely limited. Particularly problematic is the exception allowing majority ownership by long-term sponsors, currently granted to Bayer Leverkusen and VfL Wolfsburg. The article argues that this exception constitutes a by-object restriction under the ECJ doctrine established in ESL and ISU. The article stresses that, if the 50+1 shall be preserved, there is a need for reforms that ensure access to and member participation within the clubs as well as effective club control within the corporate entities. The continuation of this legal debate seems likely, with possible court challenges looming on the horizon.

  • Die Auswirkungen von ISU auf die Sportschiedsgerichtsbarkeit: Gamechanger oder alles wie gehabt? (B. Köhler, S. 336)

In its landmark decision in International Skating Union (ISU), the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) held that the ISU’s arbitration provisions, providing for arbitration before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), constituted a reinforcement of the other restrictions of competition. The article explores the consequences of this decision for international sports arbitration. It begins by analysing which types of arbitration agreements are potentially affected and under which circumstances arbitration clauses providing for CAS arbitration remain valid under EU law. It then turns to the impact of the CJEU’s jurisprudence on the enforcement and recognition of CAS awards, specifically focusing on the relationship between EU law and the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards. The paper ends with a brief outlook and summary.

  • Der Ticketzweitmarkt im Wandel der Zeit – Status Quo und Ausblick zum Schutz von Veranstaltern und Verbrauchern (F. Holzhäuser / J. Schreyer, S. 346)

The article discusses the ongoing issues and legal challenges related to ticket reselling for sports and cultural events in Germany. Despite technological advancements, ticket scalping remains a lucrative global market, often not benefiting the event organizers but rather unauthorized resellers. German organizers aim to maintain socially acceptable pricing structures and ensure the safety of events. Recent German and European court cases highlight the legal complexities involved. Despite the lack of comprehensive bans in Germany, consumer protection agencies have prompted partial compliance from companies like viagogo under EU pressure, though challenges remain. In response to these issues, consumer protection agencies and legislative bodies are advocating for stricter regulations and greater transparency in ticket resales. Upcoming legislative changes, highlighted in Germany’s coalition agreement, may include enhanced information requirements for resale platforms, obligations for prompt ticket removal upon complaint, and possibly price caps on resale tickets. The article emphasizes the importance of comprehensive contractual terms and proactive legal strategies for event organizers while monitoring legislative developments that promise tighter control over ticket reselling.

  • Die Mehrfachbeteiligungsbeschränkung in der Satzung des DFL Deutsch Fußball Liga e. V. – Porsche, der VfB Stuttgart und das VW-Problem (T. Hülskötter, L. Kretschmann, S. 351)

The involvement of investors in professional football is critically discussed from different perspectives. This article analyses the DFL’s Multi-Club Shareholding Rule (‘Mehrfachbeteiligungsbeschränkung’) and applies it to question the decision of the DFL’s Executive Committee regarding Porsche’s investment in VfB Stuttgart. Finally, the article considers possible competition law issues.

  • Die Drittstaatensubventionsverordnung: Hoffnung oder Enttäuschung? (M. Frank, S. 360)

The European Union (EU) has become increasinglyconcerned about government-dominated economies that provide financing to companies that engage in commercial activities within the EU. To address socalled foreign subsidies that allow companies to gain an unfair advantage over their European competitors, the EU has created an ambitious piece of legislation, Regulation 2022/2560, commonly referred to as the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR). Some in the football community have gained hope that the new toolkit will curb the ever growing third-country investment in European football and address the perceived shortcomings of the UEFA’s regulations, previously known as Financial Fair Play Regulations (FFP). This article provides an overview of the EU’s new tools and analyzes their application and effect to the football sector by considering the complaints filed by the Spanish football league and the Belgian club Royal Exelcior Virton.

  • „Ligaklauseln“ – üblich, aber unwirksam? (C. Pellenz / M. Heyer-Loges, S. 367)

The article discusses recent decisions by the Solingen Labor Court regarding the enforceability of so-called „liga clauses“ in professional sports contracts. These clauses, common in coaching and player agreements, stipulate that a contract will terminate if a team is relegated to a lower league. The Solingen Labor Court ruled that such clauses in the contracts of a handball team’s head and co-coach were invalid, primarily due to their lack of clarity and transparency. The article outlines that these clauses often unfairly transfer the economic risk of relegation, usually borne by the employer, onto the employee. It also notes that to be valid, such clauses must be clear, precisely defined, and potentially serve the employee’s interests. The Düsseldorf Higher Labor Court upheld the initial rulings, noting the invalidity based on formal errors, specifically inadequate signing procedures that infringed on statutory requirements. The article emphasizes that while these clauses are common, they rarely withstand legal scrutiny unless they are explicitly desired by the employee for personal reasons. It concludes by suggesting that clubs need to carefully draft their contracts to ensure such clauses meet stringent legal standards, preventing disputes and maintaining contractual integrity.

  • „It’s a violent Game“1 – Ausgewählte Haftungsfragen des American Football in Deutschland (P. Then, S. 372)

The article examines legal liability issues related to American Football, focusing on the injury risks inherent in it. The article explains that while players assume some risk, liability under § 823 Abs. 1 BGB may arise for grossly negligent or intentional misconduct, with protections only available under the „sports liability privilege“ if conduct is within expected gameplay. It highlights the complexities of responsibility for injuries resulting from repeated head trauma, citing the example of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The article underscores ongoing legal challenges in the U. S. to secure compensation for affected athletes and explores whether similar claims might be raised in Germany. ELF and its franchises may face liability if they fail to implement adequate safety measures. The article also discusses the potential recognition of head trauma-related conditions as occupational diseases under social insurance laws. In conclusion, the increasing prominence of American Football in Germany is likely to amplify legal scrutiny, with particular focus on how accidents are managed and the longterm implications of repeated head injuries within the sport.

Rechtsprechung

Kurzübersicht (S. 378)

Internationales

  • EuGH: Vereinbarkeit der FFAR mit europäischem Kartellrecht
  • EuGH: Vereinbarkeit des DFB-RfSV mit europäischem Kartellrecht
  • EuGH: Vereinbarkeit einer No-Poach-Vereinbarung mit europäischem Kartellrecht
  • Cour de Cassation (Frankreich): Kontrolle schiedsgerichtlicher Sportentscheidungen durch staatliche Gerichte
  • OLG Wien: Kein Anspruch auf Korrektur der Länderspielstatistik
  • CAS: Sportliche Rechtsnachfolge ohne Auflösung des Altclubs
  • CAS: Fehlende FIFA-Rechtsgrundlage für die Sanktionierung eines Spielervermittlers
  • CAS: Lebenslange Sperre wegen Korruption und Ethik-Verstößen im Biathlon
Arbeitsgerichtsbarkeit
  • LAG Düsseldorf: Zur Wirksamkeit der einer sog. Ligaklausel unter Schriftformaspekten

Sozialgerichtsbarkeit

  • SG Mainz 3.4.2025 S 2 BA 24/22 Abhängige Tätigkeit des beim Verein beschäftigten Bundesliga-Ringers

Nationale Schiedsgerichtbarkeit

  • StSchGBayRL: Unwirksamkeit der Bayerischen U23-Regelung

Verbandsgerichtsbarkeit

  • DHB-BundesG: Spielwiederholung nach Saison bei Regelverstoß durch Sekretär und Zeitnehmer
  • DHB-BundesG: Unzulässiger Wiederaufnahmeantrag nach DHB-RO

Schaufenster

  • DVSR-Jahrestagung 2025 in Wien – Generalthema: „Die Verantwortung der Verbände“ (S. 414)
  • Erfolgreicher Auftritt beim International Football Moot Court (IFAM): Team der Universitäten Köln und Bonn gewinnt den Wettbewerb (S. 415)
  • Erlanger Sportrechtstagung am 16./17. Mai 2025 (S. 417)
  • World Boxing führt verpflichtende Geschlechtstests für Boxer ein  (S. 419)
  • Maguire/Liston/Falcous: Handbook by Sports and Migration (Rez. Kornbeck, S. 419)