At a time where ethics seem out of fashion in football, members of Borussia Dortmund have approved a basic set of principles which attempt to strengthen the traditional and cultural presence of the German club and could lead to more clubs following suit.
‘The Code of Basic Values’ outlines Dortmund’s intentions to protect the most crucial aspects of their club, such as protection of the clubs iconic black and yellow colours as well as legal-clauses to ensure that the name of the club remains the same, commitment to the 50+1 rule in order to guarantee majority fan ownership and to maintain ticket prices at acceptable prices.
With the current aggressive commercialisation of football, these values are more appropriate than ever, and displays why Dortmund are such a universally liked team.
Dortmund’s kit provider Puma recently hit headlines with the launch of their ‘unique’ third shirts, ditching club crests in favour of bold text. BVB supporters pressured the kit-maker to include a badge, something which has since been altered on the jersey, conveying another show of the Black and Yellows attempting to protect their identity.
Arsenal’s extortionate season ticket prices, a home strip colour change from Cardiff in 2012, and an attempt to change Hull City’s name from the Allam family are just some examples back on home soil of fanbases becoming disgruntled at irrational decisions from the hierarchy, which damage the tradition and culture of their team. The implementation of values like Dortmund’s could certainly prevent history repeating itself throughout the English 92.
However, with Bundesliga clubs infamously adopting the 50+1 rule to give fans a majority stake in the club, English teams can only look on with envy at Dortmund’s introduction of the code.
