“This can’t go on”: Rummenigge warns of football explosion | OneFootball

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has expressed criticism about developments in international football. In an interview with Bayerischer Rundfunk, the former CEO of FC Bayern spoke about the rapidly increasing salaries and transfer fees – and warned of a dangerous spiral.

For decades, Rummenigge has shaped the European football scene, as a player, official, and Bayern boss. His voice carries weight – and his recent statements make it clear how much the current developments concern him.

"We need to find a solution. We can't keep going higher and faster every year," the 70-year-old emphasized in conversation with BR. Particularly the dynamics of recent years are problematic: "Salaries and transfer fees have risen rapidly in recent years. We can't seriously continue like this."

Bayern boss Rummenigge calls for new regulations

Photo: IMAGO

Rummenigge pointed to the unequal competitive conditions in Europe. "In England, there are now billionaires or sometimes even states that own clubs, like Saudi Arabia, Qatar – or Paris Saint-Germain. And then you have to play against them in the Champions League and keep up."

The challenge for clubs like FC Bayern: Titles are almost expected at the national level, internationally they should also compete against the financially strongest competition – a balancing act that hardly seems realistic anymore. "And at the same time, it is expected that you win this competition," says Rummenigge.

The former Bayern CEO sees the solution in stronger regulation. He has repeatedly advocated for Financial Fair Play or alternative models in the past to make the competition fairer. However, whether UEFA or the national leagues will actually decide on stricter rules remains questionable – the development in the transfer market so far clearly goes in the other direction.

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