Bundesliga (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
Bundesliga clubs approved a rule limiting player wages and transfer costs to 70 percent of club revenue. The system begins in 2026 and becomes fully mandatory in the 2028/29 season.
Bundesliga clubs have unanimously approved a new financial rule which limits how much teams spend on player wages and squad costs. Under the regulation, clubs must keep player-related spending below 70 percent of their total relevant revenue.
The rule applies to both the first and second German divisions. Implementation will begin in the 2026/27 season, with full enforcement planned for the 2028/29 campaign.
The model follows the logic of UEFA’s financial sustainability regulations, although the framework has been adjusted to fit the structure and competitiveness of German professional football.
The system includes clear sanctions for clubs that break the rules. Possible punishments include:
• Financial fines
• Points deductions
• Restrictions on registering new players
The regulation also introduces a special adjustment for clubs outside European competitions. These teams will temporarily receive slightly greater financial flexibility in order to reduce the gap with clubs regularly playing in UEFA tournaments.
The decision arrives during a period of solid financial performance for the German game. In the 2024/25 season, clubs in the Bundesliga reported a combined profit of €242.1 million, while teams in the 2. Bundesliga added another €29.5 million.
"With this rule we take an important step to protect the long-term sustainability of our leagues and avoid extreme cases which could damage competitive integrity," said Bundesliga CEO Marc Lenz.
The regulation places German football among the leagues with the strictest financial discipline in Europe, reinforcing the country’s long-standing reputation for cautious club management.