Former bayern Munich CEO and current board member Uli Hoeneß warned of the growing influence of foreign money in football while taking a swipe at Champions League round of 16 club Paris Saint-Germain. At an event in Hanover, Hoeneß said traditional clubs like Bayern could fall behind football's elite and called for a relaxation of Germany's club ownership rules so teams could attract outside investors. PSG is owned by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), a subsidiary of the state sovereign wealth fund.
“They have to worry that some clubs will be bought up in the future, especially from the Middle East,” said the former Bayern striker.
“There is talk of Qatar wanting to buy Manchester United and Saudi Arabia wanting to buy Liverpool.
“Then there is no limit (of spending).
“Then we'll have fun,” he added sarcastically.
Hoeneß, known for his colorful statements in the German media, often aimed at national or international opponents, then struck at PSG.
Bayern beat Qatar-backed PSG 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League in Paris on Tuesday and Hoeneß said the game showed “that money doesn't always score goals”.
“I like to win against them,” said the 71-year-old Hoeneß.
Hoeneß again called on German football to abolish the 50+1 rule, which requires members to own the majority of a club, restricting outside investment.
Hoeneß said for FC Bayern: “We would be totally in favor of abolishing the 50+1 because we are totally falling behind internationally.”
Bayern dominates the Bundesliga financially and that has translated into titles.
This season they are a point clear at the top of the table and are aiming for their 11th consecutive title.
They have six Champions League titles, including two in the last 10 years.
Money doesnt score goals Bayer's Hoeneß scores at PSG
(This story was not edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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