The debate about consultancy fees and reforms to the transfer system has taken on a new edge. Player consultant Roger Wittmann has clearly rejected the criticism of the current consultancy system by Uli Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – and attacked Rummenigge in particular
In an interview with Sky, Wittmann made it clear that he does not accept the moral accusations from Munich. „I believe that Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is not the right person to talk about morality and immorality. Why? Because he is in the middle of this business,“ said the consultant
From his point of view, the people in charge at Bayern helped set up the system themselves. „They helped set up the system themselves. When you sign players you need to win titles, you know what you’re in for. Consultants are paid what is the norm these days. What exactly is supposed to be immoral about that? They made the rules themselves.“
„No right to make demands“
Wittmann was particularly clear with regard to Rummenigge’s call for reforms: „And when it comes to the right of consultants to exist, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has no right to make demands,“ said the 64-year-old
Wittmann also rejected the recurring criticism that commissions were not in proportion to the actual amount of work involved. „I don’t care what they say. One person shouts to the world, the other says something they don’t even know.“
He argued that outsiders could not judge how intensively a consultant works with his player. „Neither of them know whether the consultant is in contact with the player every day. That’s what they need. That’s why they say that.“
Bayern at the center of the debate
Wittmann is particularly bothered by the fact that, in his view, the discussion is heavily focused on FC Bayern. „What bothers me about the whole discussion is that it’s only a Bayern Munich issue, but it’s being treated as if it’s the hub of the world.“
The statements show how hardened the fronts have become. While Hoeneß and Rummenigge have recently spoken of „immoral“ sums and growing dependence on consultants, Wittmann defends the existing system as being in line with the market
The conflict between club officials and advisors is therefore likely to gather further momentum – and have an impact beyond Munich.