Karl-Heinz Rummenigge criticises increasing player power and their agents | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively to Kicker, former Bayern Munich CEO – now a member of the supervisory board – Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has criticised the increasing power of players and their agents when it comes to negotiating contracts at clubs.

When asked whether he saw any negative developments within football, Rummenigge said: “I view the increasing power of advisors and agents, as well as players, with skepticism. Clubs and associations must retain control. Advisors and players must know where their boundaries lie. These boundaries must not be shifted, otherwise the entire system will be thrown into disarray. I view this development with concern.”

Rummenigge spent 19 years as Bayern Munich CEO, and has vast knowledge when it comes to making transfers and what it takes to reach an agreement when it comes to the contract demands. In his interview with Kicker, Rummenigge warned clubs that they have a responsibility not to cave in to demands of the agent.

“You don’t have to fulfill every demand,” said the 69-year-old. “Every club has a responsibility not to let agents become too powerful. You have to show strength.”

Rummenigge also sees the increase of social media use as a negative. “Agents want to portray their players as brands, independent of the club,” he added. “This phenomenon didn’t exist in the past, at least not to this extent because there was no social media. Back then, the player was clearly part of the club structure but really great players know that they are not bigger than the club.”

GGFN | Daniel Pinder