Bayern Munich considers going out of G14

German Bayern Munich is considering dropping out of the G14 because it doubts that the lobbying group can accomplish anything for its members or for the game as a whole.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Bayern's chairman, was critical of the G14, and said clubs from Spain, Italy and England were looking out only for themselves in a sport that he said was ruled by selfishness.

Speaking in an interview with Kicker, he also said the growing difference in income meant German clubs would soon be unable to compete with clubs in richer leagues.

"We will consider whether it makes any sense to stay on in the G-14," said Rummenigge. "We don't feel like paying an annual subscription for just sitting around and talking about things when nothing comes out of it."

"I doubt whether the G-14 is meaningful any longer. I find that too little is happening. There is no communication with FIFA or UEFA."

Bayern was among the founding members of the G-14, which met for the first time in Madrid in 2000 to promote the interests of Europe's top clubs, particularly concerning issues such as money from television rights from the Champions League and compensation for players injured on international duty.

Other notable members of the original 14 are Spanish clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona, Italian clubs AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, and English clubs Manchester United and Liverpool. Four more clubs were added in 2002, taking the membership number to 18.

"The clubs in the G-14 only have themselves in mind," said Rummenigge in response to a question about Real Madrid and its president Ramon Calderon.

"I'll say it in no uncertain terms: Calderon and his colleagues are single combatants, as are the Italians and the English. In football, it is pure selfishness that rules. There is little common ground among the clubs."

German clubs were successful in Europe in the 1990s and early 2000s but Rummenigge said Bundesliga clubs would no longer be a match for Spanish clubs pulling in money from television rights or English clubs with wealthy foreign investors.

"I dare say that in the next 10 years you won't see a German club in the final of a European competition," he said.

"What Werder Bremen have achieved against Barcelona and Chelsea in the Champions League is a miracle. If they make it past Barcelona, it will be the eighth wonder of the world."

"Bremen received 23 million Euros from TV, while Barcelona got 143 million Euros. I hope the European Union puts a stop to these excesses of (Chelsea owner Roman) Abramovich and foreign television."

Rummenigge said he hoped for a salary cap and a central system of marketing to fight the growing financial inequality.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.