Bayern president demanding strict financial rules for European clubs

BERLIN - Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer is demanding stricter rules to secure the financial stability of football clubs in Europe.

Ahead of the 2021 German Super Cup duel against Borussia Dortmund this Tuesday evening, the 67-year-old requested from national associations and the European Club Association to set up strict rules to limit spending for transfers and agent fees.

Bayern won't join the overheated race of several clubs spending gigantic sums to update their squad quality, Hainer added.

The Bayern president referred to the latest activities in European football. "We won't sacrifice our club on the altar of an excessively short-sighted competition," the former CEO of sports company Adidas said.

Bayern managed to stay at the top of European football without endangering its economic balance, Hainer added. "If you see some of the latest transfer activities, you start to think about how this goes on."

Hainer said Bayern won't be pushed to change its strategy by "the madness taking place out there." The club president mentioned the transfers of Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea/115 million euro), Jack Grealish (Manchester City/117.5), and Lionel Messi's assumed salary of 40 million euro's net per year.

The Bavarians have no debts; their arena and training center is owned by the club, the official added. "Then I read about Barca having a debt of 1.2 billion, Paris and Juventus with a loss of over 100 million every year. Roman Abramovic has invested over a billion in Chelsea," Hainer stated.

The head of Bayern announced his club will enforce its talent education and talked about Jamal Musiala, Chris Richards and Josip Stanisic having made their way into the first squad.

Hainer said football needs strict rules and clear consequences in case of violations to secure fair competition. He complained about too many exceptions.

Attempts to punish clubs have been carried out far too lax or mitigated. Bayern is opposing a luxury tax "as a fine of 100 million doesn't bother the money giants and doesn't help other clubs."

Hainer demanded a so-called soft cap coming into force at 55 percent of the club's income. Plans of UEFA to set a border at 70 percent are going too far in his perspective.

The Bayern official called it a fairy tale to talk about many free transfers. The money is going into growing fees for players and agents, he said.

Hainer also said the cancellation of the Super League was a victory for all who love football.

The Bundesliga will have to find ways to face international competition and stay competitive. All clubs suffer from losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some players and agents don't seem to see that, he added.

Germany's leading clubs such as Bayern and Dortmund provide a reliable partnership for players as salaries are paid out timely.

Huge investments in players won't guarantee to win the Champions League, Hainer said. "A stunning squad doesn't inevitably make a stunning team."