November 5 – Bayern Munich boss Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (pictured) says the club will consult its lawyers following Der Spiegel’s allegations that it was one of the European elite who took part in secret discussions to form a European breakaway ‘Super League’.
The German magazine’s allegation is based on documents it claims to have obtained from the Football Leaks website but both Bayern and Rummenigge have strenuously denied any involvement.
Der Spiegel reported that Bayern and Rummenigge, former head of the European Clubs Association, were major players in attempting to formulate the new competition. But ahead of Bayern’s 1-1 draw with Freiburg on Saturday, Rummenigge insisted the club remained committed to the Bundesliga.
“I am confused about the coverage. The fact is, no European club has ever approached the topic of a Super League,” he told Sky. “We completely stand by our membership in the Bundesliga, as well as in UEFA and the European competitions they organise.
“We have never questioned that. We will check this over the next few days with our lawyers. I can only say the whole article has a tabloid style, containing half-truths and untruths, which do not correspond to the facts.”
In a separate press release the club stated: “FC Bayern is also unaware of recent plans for a so-called Super League …nor has FC Bayern taken part in negotiations relating to such plans. FC Bayern is also unaware of why it is listed in a document quoted in this context by Der Spiegel.”
Some Bayern supporters showed their displeasure at the speculation linking the club to a European super league with one banner stating: ‘We stand for the Bundesliga – Super League without us.’
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