Bayern Munich all-time great and current CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has disapproved of the idea of a new European Super League. The Bavarians join the likes of fellow German outfits Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig in rejecting all possibilities of participation in the controversial tournament.
In a seismic move on Sunday, twelve clubs, including the ‘top six’ of the Premier League, confirmed that they are on course to join the competition next season.
The clubs include Real Madrid, FC, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid from Spain, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus of Serie A and the ‘big six’ from England; Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
The league will also supposedly allow three more teams to be a part of the twelve existing founding members, with rumours speculating that Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and PSG are the three sides in question.
But in a statement shortly after the Super League was announced, Bayern executive Rummenigge confirmed that the Bavarians weren’t a part of the Super League proposal and that they prefer a newly revamped Champions League format instead.
“FC Bayern did not participate in the planning of a Super League, we are convinced that the current structure in football guarantees a reliable foundation. FC Bayern welcomes the reforms of the Champions League because we believe that they are the right step for the development of European football.
The modified preliminary round will contribute to more excitement and emotion in the competition. I do not believe the Super League will solve the financial problems of European clubs that were caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Rather, all clubs in Europe should work in solidarity to ensure that the cost structure, especially players’ salaries and agents’ fees, are brought in line with revenues in order to make all of the European football more rational.”
Rummenigge said.
While Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of RB Leipzig also voiced his rejection, quoting:
“We reject any plans to establish a Super League.”
Hans-Joachim Watzke, Borussia Dortmund chairman, said that the two German clubs on the European Club Association board (Bayern and Dortmund), have stood together and taken “100 percent” of the same position “in all discussions”.
