Debate over club patron: Is Hoeneß set for a Bayern board comeback? | OneFootball

Officially, Uli Hoeneß has not been part of FC Bayern’s operational business for years. At 73, he now “only” sits as one of nine members on the supervisory board of the record champions. But the reality is different: with his regular appearances and clear statements, the honorary president continues to make headlines—and makes it clear just how great his influence in Munich still is.

Hoeneß’s role on the supervisory board is actually clearly defined: oversight and strategic guidance of the executive board. But the club patron interprets this task in his own way. While other supervisory board members usually stay in the background, Hoeneß intervenes publicly—most recently with critical words directed at sporting director Max Eberl. His criticism of the 51-year-old’s leadership style sparked a broad debate.

Hoeneß also receives backing. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, his long-time companion and fellow supervisory board member, clearly sided with him: “FC Bayern doesn’t need less Uli Hoeneß, it needs more Uli Hoeneß.” For Rummenigge, it’s clear that Hoeneß always acts in the club’s best interest—even if things get heated behind the scenes.

Hoeneß Comeback to the Bayern Board?

Photo: IMAGO

His repeated interventions have raised the question of whether Hoeneß should officially return to the board. BILD sports chief Walter M. Straten recently brought up this possibility: “Maybe it would be the more honest option if Uli Hoeneß returned to operational business, instead of pulling strings in the background. At 73, there’s no reason nowadays to stop doing things. He’s active. Why doesn’t he return to the board?”

Notably, FC Bayern is currently looking for a new board member following the departure of CFO Michael Diederich.

But there are also dissenting voices. Former Bayern pro Christian Lell clearly spoke out against a comeback in the discussion: “You have to give other people space and opportunity at some point. If he stays there forever, he blocks the official positions. I think it should remain a hybrid solution as before. He’ll never really be able to let go of the club, that’s clear too.”

One thing is certain: Hoeneß will remain influential even without a board position. Whether he will return to operational business is rather unlikely—but the debate about his role at the German record champions is likely to accompany FC Bayern for some time to come.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.