European Super League: Bayern Munich ‘not involved’ in breakaway tournament
Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund have also rejected the competition, while RB Leipzig are not expected to take part
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Bayern Munich have not been involved in the formation of the planned European Super League and are not set to join the breakaway tournament, according to club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
It was announced on Sunday that 12 of the biggest teams in Europe will compete against one another in the new competition, plans for which have been met with condemnation from all corners of the footballing world.
Six Premier League clubs are due to take part, along with three from La Liga in Spain and three from Italy’s Serie A. Other sides are expected to join, but the German champions will not be one of them, former Bayern and West Germany international Rummenigge has said.
Manchester United, Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are the English clubs due to be involved, while Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona join them from Spain, alongside Italian teams Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan.
Last season’s Champions League winners Bayern have been conspicuous in their absence from that list, while Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmundspoke out against proposals for the competition and RB Leipzig are not expected to take part.
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“FC Bayern has not been involved in the plans for creating a Super League,” Rummenigge said in a statement, in which he spoke in support of the upcoming Champions League revamp – which was confirmed on Monday and will come into effect in 2024/25.
“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 they are the right step to take for the development of European football.
“The modified group stage will contribute to an increase in excitement and the emotional experience in the competition.”
“I do not believe the Super League will solve the financial problems of European clubs that have arisen as result of 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, to make all of European football more rational.”
The Premier League, La Liga and Serie A have threatened their respective clubs with expulsion from their domestic leagues if the teams in question go ahead with the new tournament, with the football associations in England, Spain and Italy supporting such proposed punishments.
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