[1][2][3] On 30 September 2000, at the extraordinary congress of the DFB-Bundestag in Mainz, the 36 professional clubs were released into the independence they had been demanding for many years.
In order to fulfill its duties, the Ligaverband established the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) as a subsidiary, and transferred their operations to it.
Since the DFB and Ligaverband organise the Bundesliga competitions jointly, a basic contract has been in place since the beginning of the 2004–05 season, which determines the rights and obligations of both parties.
In addition, the basic contract includes specific requirements regarding kick-off times and transmission of matches on free-to-air television.
Wolfgang Holzhäuser of Bayer Leverkusen held the office provisionally until Reinhard Rauball was elected as the next president in August 2007 at the general assembly.