With the recent Super League fiasco down south, is the 50+1 ownership a possibility for Celtic?
The 50+1 rule is already in practice in Germany and is being admired, like so many aspects of the German game specifically safe standing sections and alcohol within grounds. Like Celtic, teams are famed for some of the best fans in the world so what’s to stop the idea of fan ownership?
In Germany, teams can not compete in the top two divisions if commercial investors own more than 49% of the club therefore, members of the club (fans) must own the remaining 51% of the shares.
This ensures fans get a say in vital decisions involving the club, any decision regarding the club’s future must pass through a vote of fans who are shareholders. In a season like this, when fans were crying out for change right from the Champions League Qualifier exit, a change could have taken place a lot sooner than it did.
With fan ownership, ticket prices are low. In the Bundesliga fans pay around €15 (£12) for a ticket, when compared to the Scottish Premiership fans pay anywhere between £20 to £52, considerably more. On some occasions, Dortmund has sold tickets for the yellow wall for just €10 (£8.60).
The 50+1 rule allows clubs to stick to their morals and honour the tradition and history of their beloved club.
Despite income in the Premier League is around double when compared to the Bundesliga, German teams still run at a profit. Across England more often than not, teams work at a loss. With Celtic currently not making Champions League, regular funds are not always raining in therefore making it fundamental that money is gained, not lost.
Motherwell and St. Mirren are currently owned by fans and have performed well on the financial side. Prior to COVID St. Mirren reported a profit of £100,000 with Motherwell paying off all debt.
Many teams in Scotland are owned by fans, especially those in the lower leagues. Caledonian Braves, who play in the Lowland League, operate their fan ownership by offering a fee of £25 to be part of the decision making process.
Members that take up this subscription can have their say in the running of the club from team selection to transfers and even branding deals.
Would you like to see the 50+1 rule introduced in Scotland or see Celtic owned and run by fans?
Aaron Haire
Shamone.