European Super League: Bayern Munich ‘says no’ to breakaway competition

Bundesliga titleholders and 2020 Champions League winners have made their stance ‘explicitly clear’

Alex Pattle
Tuesday 20 April 2021 15:48 BST
Comments
James Corden criticises 'disgusting' Super League plans

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Bayern Munich have made it “explicitly clear” that they will not be joining the planned European Super League.

News around the breakaway tournament emerged on Sunday, with 12 of Europe’s biggest clubs set to be involved, though Bayern were conspicuous in their absence from the list of participants.

Manchester United, Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are due to be involved, alongside Spanish clubs Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, and Italy’s Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

Other teams are expected to join, but Bayern and German rivals Borussia Dortmund released statements on Monday expressing their opposition to the Super League. RB Leipzig, meanwhile, are also not expected to join.

Bundesliga titleholders and 2020 Champions League winners Bayern have now doubled down on their stance, with club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and president Herbert Hainer releasing a joint statement on Tuesday.

“Our members and fans reject a Super League,” Hainer said.

“As FC Bayern, it is our wish and our aim that European clubs live the wonderful and emotional competition that is the Champions League, and develop it together with UEFA.

“FC Bayern says no to the Super League.”

Rummenigge added: “On behalf of the board, I would like to make it explicitly clear that FC Bayern will not be taking part in the Super League.

“FC Bayern stands in solidarity with the Bundesliga. It always was and is a great pleasure for us to be able to play and represent Germany in the Champions League.

“We all remember fondly our 2020 Champions League victory in Lisbon – you don’t forget such a joyful moment. For FC Bayern, the Champions League is the best club competition in the world.”

Uefa and Fifa have threatened any clubs and players that take part in the Super League with bans from the Champions League, Europa League, World Cup and Euros.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in