Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: „Clubs now have a say”

Bayern München’s CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has recently been appointed chairman of the board for the newly founded European Club Association (ECA). In this interview with the German sports wire service sid, Rummenigge talks about the association’s plans for the future.

Question: Why did the G 14 disband in favour of the new ECA? What will make the ECA more effective?

Rummenigge: The G 14 was not recognized by the European family. It lacked the legitimacy of the new ECA. Our demands hardly were outrageous or unrealistic, as for instance granting the clubs a share in the revenue of World Cups and European Championships. Having reached an agreement with FIFA and UEFA, which we did last week in Zurich and Nyon, paves the way for a harmonious and fruitful collaboration. We’ll have fair talks which then creates a broad and diversified coalition. (UEFA President) Michael Platini will be a great partner. The clubs always wanted a say in these things. Now, we have been guaranteed that our voice is heard.

Question: Criticism in the past claimed that the G 14 led to big clubs growing even bigger, that it only widened the discrepancy between the head of the field and the pack.

Rummenigge: That’s nothing to blame the G 14 for. The G 14 was a lobbying representation of Europe’s most successful clubs, not the richest. Founding the G 14 was no mistake. But the time for a change had arrived, for a new approach to things.

Question: You were quoted that the new arrangement carried advantages for both sides of the table. Why so?

Rummenigge: FIFA and UEFA should be happy that legal procedures have been knocked off. The clubs recognize FIFA and UEFA as football’s highest representations and governing bodies, with the clubs receiving a rich reward, as we now get reimbursed for players’ competing at a World Cup or a European Championship. Now, we’ll have a word when dates are set for the national teams, as for instance when those double-header dates are determined. We face difficult challenges and finding a solution sometimes takes a while. But it seems to me that FIFA and UEFA negotiate these things with a lot of good will.

Question: Clubs are due to receive 173 million Euro over the next six years. The respective club will receive 4,000 Euro for a single player per day during the EURO 2008. Does the money vary?

Rummenigge: It’s the same amount as long as the players stays in the tournament, and it includes the 14 day camp prior to the tournament. It can add-up to 30 or 40 days, and the money is paid disregarding the players’ home club, whether he plays for Young Boys Bern or Real Madrid. The arrangement counts only for World Cups and European Championships, as FIFA and UEFA draw profits from these tournaments.

Question: Bayern München has been a founding member of the ECA, while Stuttgart, Schalke and Leverkusen will join the association shortly. Why not Werder Bremen?

Rummenigge: Leverkusen belonged to the old panel. Following June 30, changes are possible. Membership now will be according to the success in the UEFA competitions.

Question: The ECA favours Saturday and Tuesday for the “doubleheaders” when the national team has two games in a row. Please name us other objectives.

Rummenigge: The clubs always wanted a say in these things. Now, we have been guaranteed that our voice will be heard. Four ECA-representatives will have a permanent seat on the Stratetgic Council Board of UEFA, which is an important panel below UEFA’s executive level. From now on, the ECA will be an important partner when the main decisions are made. Sepp Blatter gave us the same guarantee.

Question: At one point, the G 14 opted for a closed Champions League, and wanted to abandon the qualifying round. Will the ECA pursue the same goal?

Rummenigge: No. There’s been a vote that the current format stay as it is. We are very satisfied with the two major pillars – the national leagues and the Champions League.

Question: Sepp Blatter has advocated a date change of the Africa Cup, which should be played parallel to the European Championships. Most Africans fear that such a shift would take away importance from the Africa Cup. Do you think that such a shift can be accomplished?

Rummenigge: Well, the climate is certainly a factor. I really sympathise with Issa Hayatou, (the President of the African federation CAF, editorial note), whose retort was, that Europe should then play their championship in January in Russia. At the same time, most quality players from Africa earn their paycheck in Europe. Their teams are decimated just as the second leg of the season is about to start. That’s not satisfying, to say the least. Hopefully, we will find a solution. Until 2016, nothing will change because of contractual necessities.

Question: Because of your new assignment, will you reduce your input with Bayern München?

Rummenigge: The ECA will not take anything away from my daily work for the FC Bayern München.