German Football League (DFL) managing directors Marc Lenz and Steffen Merkel hope that an escalation can be prevented amid the fan protests against the planned entry of an investor into the league.
"It's okay if we are peacefully reminded week after week how important it is to stay within the red lines in the negotiations. But if it concerns possible match cancellations: The clubs and we couldn't accept that," Lenz told Saturday's edition of the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
The DFL voted to bring in a strategic partner in a billion-euro ($1.08 billion) deal over a maximum 20 years for a share of the licensing revenue from the sale of media rights. The DFL said it aims to boost its business model and Bundesliga marketing abroad through the deal.
This decision, however, has led to major protests from fans who have thrown objects such as tennis balls onto the pitch during Bundesliga and second division matches over the past weeks. Several matches were close to being abandoned.
"We're counting on the fans, who dedicate so much to their club. And that they recognize that football doesn't just belong to the fans, but also to the players, the coaches and the staff at the clubs," Merkel said.
The DFL naturally has "the greatest interest in ensuring that matches are not abandoned. Because that harms the sport first and foremost".
However, the DFL doesn't fear any negative effects on the attractiveness of the league or negotiations with potential investors.
