At FC Bayern, the fight for success isn’t limited to the field. Behind the scenes, too, discussions about responsibilities and power dynamics arise time and again at the German record champions. Axel Kahn, the brother of former Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn, has now provided some interesting insights, highlighting in particular the role of Uli Hoeneß.
More than three years have now passed since Oliver Kahn was forced to step down from his position as CEO of FC Bayern. In May 2023, the Munich club parted ways with its then-CEO immediately after winning the German championship.
The circumstances surrounding his departure sparked considerable debate at the time. In the meantime, however, Kahn appears to have put that chapter behind him. At least that’s what his brother Axel reports.
“Uli Hoeneß always has the final say.”
In an interview with the Abendzeitung München, Axel Kahn was asked about his brother’s dismissal and the internal power struggles at FC Bayern. He made it clear that, in his view, such conflicts have been part of everyday life at the record-holding champions for many years. “There have always been these turf wars at FC Bayern; you see that happening again and again with Max Eberl,” explained the brother of the former Bayern goalkeeper.
Kahn is particularly critical of the current sporting director’s situation. Although Eberl has been quite successful on the field, he must regularly defend his decisions. “He feels like he has to justify everything and hold his ground—despite having a pretty clean record and a track record of success.”
This was followed by a remarkable statement about the balance of power at Säbener Straße. “Ultimately, Uli Hoeneß always has the final say,” Kahn clarified.
With this, the brother of the former CEO continues to describe the honorary president as a decisive figure behind the scenes at the club.
Axel Kahn also spoke at length about his brother’s personal situation.
When asked how much Oliver Kahn’s dismissal from FC Bayern had affected him, he reacted with surprising composure. “Oliver’s fine with it; nothing’s stuck with him. The Kahn gene takes care of that,” the 61-year-old explained with a laugh.
The former Bayern boss has had to fight his way through setbacks time and again throughout his career. Accordingly, it’s just part of who he is to get back on his feet after difficult situations and look ahead. “Getting back up and moving on is one of our greatest strengths. That’s something that has always set Oliver apart,” Axel Kahn emphasized.
Will Kahn return to the soccer business?
It remains to be seen whether Oliver Kahn will take on another leadership role in professional soccer in the future. His brother would tend to advise the 57-year-old against exposing himself to the stresses of the business again. “My advice to Oliver would be to enjoy his retirement,” Axel Kahn joked at first.
In principle, however, he could imagine that the former national team goalkeeper might consider a return if the right offer came along.
“If a job offer comes along that’s tailored to him and that he believes he can handle successfully, he’d definitely listen to it.”
At the same time, Kahn voiced strong criticism of the direction modern professional soccer is taking. He said the business is increasingly characterized by short-term success, enormous sums of money, and growing psychological pressure.