Recruiting one of the most renowned players in German and European football is a PR triumph for the Austrian energy drink manufacturer.
Klopp will supervise all football-related initiatives within the organization starting in January.
However, Red Bull stirred up controversy in German football in 2009 when it acquired SSV Markranstadt, a fifth-division team, and rebranded it as RB Leipzig.
In addition to owning Leeds United, Red Bull also owns Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, and Brazilian team Red Bull Bragantino. In addition, although though it does not officially own the Bundesliga team, it finances RB Leipzig.
Especially among supporters of his previous team, Borussia Dortmund, Klopp has drawn a lot of flak for joining the Austrian team. Klopp departed Liverpool at the end of the previous season, citing “running out of energy.”
According to German Football Association (DFB) regulations, German teams are required to function under the ’50+1′ rule, which gives members—basically, supporters—the majority of the shares and the ability to decide on things like ticket prices.
Opponents believe RB Leipzig took advantage of the system by having only 17 voting members, the majority of whom have ties to Red Bull, and by formally renaming the team RasenBallsport Leipzig, which is equivalent to LawnBallsport Leipzig, in order to circumvent a rule prohibiting clubs from being named after sponsors.
