The news that the DFL has thrown out a proposal to allow external investment in German clubs was overshadowed by the breaking story of the tragic death of Hannover and Germany goal keeper Robert Enke at the age of 32.

The Hannover president confirmed that the former Benfica and Barcelona player had died and whilst the details are yet to be confirmed at time of writing, it is believed that he was killed by a train and is feared a potential suicide. Enke had recently returned to action after illness but was Germany’s number one and would almost certainly have travelled to South Africa next summer. It is a very sad end to what was a flourishing career.

Enke’s death has come as the rule which ensures all German clubs are majority owned by domestic shareholders was upheld. A move by Hannover, Enke’s club, to overturn the ’50+1’ rule received short shrift at the meeting with all but four of the 36 Bundesliga 1 and 2 clubs voting against removal. "The result cannot be any clearer," said DFL president Dr Reinhard Rauball,"The Bundesliga remains faithful to itself and will continue to build on the factors which have made a decisive contribution to making German football successful over recent decades."