FC Bayern’s planned trip to Africa continues to spark debate. On January 5, 2027, the German record champions are scheduled to play a friendly match against Ajax Amsterdam in Kenya. While human rights activists are calling for a boycott of the match, Bayern executive board member Rouven Kasper has now commented on the background of the controversial away game.
The Munich team is set to receive an appearance fee of around five million euros for their match in Nairobi, according to the Münchner Merkur. Given the economic and social challenges in Kenya, the event has drawn criticism from some segments of the population.
For FC Bayern, however, the primary focus is on expanding its international presence. Kasper, who is responsible for marketing and sales at the record-holding champion, sees the trip as an important opportunity to strengthen ties with African fans.
Kasper explains Bayern’s Africa strategy
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to play there. In recent months, we’ve focused our attention on the continent [Afrika],” the Bayern boss explained in an interview with bulinews.com, referring to the planned friendly match.
He emphasized that this isn’t solely about economic interests. Promoting young talent in sports also plays an important role. “Together with our Red&Gold initiative, we’ve taken over very strong academies in Ghana, Senegal, and Cameroon. Since we know that Bara comes from one of these academies, it’s very relevant from a sporting perspective.”
The record champion therefore aims to further expand its activities on the African continent and, in particular, strengthen the connection between youth development and professional soccer.
The planned stadium opening in Nairobi is also an important part of the trip for Kasper.
“In addition to the match itself, the opening of a very large stadium, and the game there against Ajax, it’s a perfect combination that everyone is looking forward to,” emphasized the chief marketing officer.
Calls for a boycott are causing a political stir
These statements come at a time when the planned friendly match is the subject of increasingly critical debate.
As FCBinside previously reported, human rights activists and citizens in Kenya have launched a campaign to persuade Bayern and Ajax to boycott the match.
Critics are particularly concerned about the high costs of the soccer spectacle. They are calling for financial resources to be used primarily to improve living conditions.
They also fear that the event will be exploited for political purposes in the run-up to the upcoming elections. It remains unclear whether public funds will be used to finance the appearance fees.
In his recent statements, Kasper did not specifically address these allegations. Instead, he emphasized that Bayern also wants to use the trip to gain new experiences. “We haven’t been to Africa very often, so we also have to learn. Learn from what we experience there, from our fans there, and from our conversations with them,” explained the Bayern boss.
It remains to be seen whether the ongoing calls for a boycott will affect the match. So far, the Munich club is sticking to its plans.