Bayer Leverkusen has taken note of the decision of the Federal Cartel Office on the 50+1 rule and will carefully review it. The club had been involved in the process for several years with significant effort and several concrete solution proposals. Bayer 04 is calling for a compromise that "takes account of the historically grown structures and the interests of all parties involved". Based on the statement, the club sees promising approaches. The ongoing talks with the Bundesliga since 2021 will continue. The 50+1 rule has been in place in German football since 1998 and requires mother clubs to maintain a majority of votes in their detached capital companies. Critics see this as a competitive disadvantage compared to other European leagues. The cartel office emphasizes, however, that the European Court of Justice's case law requires comparable competitive conditions for all clubs. Now, it is about finding a "solidary solution". The statement of the Federal Cartel Office is not legally binding, but shows the legal framework. Hans-Joachim Watzke, President of the German Football League (DFL), described the finding as "a significant step". The cartel office sees the rule justified by the goal of club branding and member participation. There is "no public interest" in a complete opening of the Bundesliga to investors. Cartel office President Andreas Mundt, however, called for the rule to be applied "consistently and without exceptions". For the exceptional cases of Bayer Leverkusen and VfL Wolfsburg, as well as the special cases of RB Leipzig and Hannover 96, the authority sees a need for catch-up. A legally secure "business as usual" cannot be expected there. The 50+1 rule is an important aspect of German football. Bayer Leverkusen is an important club in the Bundesliga and must deal with the decision of the Federal Cartel Office. The statement of the Federal Cartel Office is an important step in the discussion about the 50+1 rule. Bayer Leverkusen will continue to advocate for a fair and practical solution.