FC Bayern President Herbert Hainer speaks openly about 50+1, investors and the future of the Bundesliga – and finds clear words
FC Bayern has dominated the Bundesliga for years – both in sporting and economic terms. President Herbert Hainer does not contradict the impression that the record champions are superior to the national competition in many areas. Nevertheless, the 70-year-old emphasizes the mutual importance between the club and the league
„The Bundesliga needs FC Bayern, and FC Bayern needs the Bundesliga,“ Hainer told journalists at the Munich club Wirtschaftspresse. For him, one thing is certain: despite all the economic strength, the national league remains the foundation of the success model
The mechanics behind it are clear: FC Bayern’s international appeal ensures high reach and full stadiums. Conversely, the championship regularly secures participation in the Champions League – the competition in which Munich has recently been unable to build on previous triumphs. Since winning the title in 2020, the team has been eliminated in the quarter-finals at the latest
Hainer calls for reforms in the Bundesliga
With regard to international competition, Hainer sees financial differences as the main problem: „The Premier League earns €4.5 billion every year, €2 billion of which comes from the marketing of rights abroad, while the Bundesliga only earns €1.3 billion.“ There is a clear need to catch up, especially in foreign marketing
„The Bundesliga must become more attractive,“ Hainer demanded. However, he clearly rejects a move away from the national leagues or the creation of a Super League: „The national leagues are the foundation of European soccer clubs and with the Champions League, we are ideally positioned internationally.“
Hainer takes a different stance on the 50+1 rule, which is intended to prevent investors from acquiring a majority stake in a club. The Bayern President sees a need for reform here: „I believe that it should be left to the clubs and their members to decide how many shares they want to give up.“
In his view, additional investors could help to reduce the economic gap within the league: „We can’t become worse just so that the others can win.“
FC Bayern wants to remain economically independent
Despite its open stance on the 50+1 rule, FC Bayern itself is not planning a fundamental change of course. The club’s articles of association stipulate that investors may take over a maximum of 30 percent. Adidas, Allianz and Audi together hold 25 percent of FC Bayern AG
According to Hainer, another investor is not currently on the table: „We are economically independent and want to remain so.“