Bayern Munich refute claims they are to be part of a new breakaway league

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has refuted claims that he betrayed Europe's smaller clubs

Bayern Munich have issued a statement addressing claims from German newspaper Der Spiegel that detail plans among Europe's elite clubs to form a breakaway competition, separate from the Champions League. Der Spiegel have leaked emails that reveal plans for Manchester United, Barcelona, Juventus, Real Madrid, Arsenal, AC Milan and Bayern to break off into a separate competition.

In their report, they assert that Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had 'betrayed' the smaller clubs around Europe by being involved in plans to undermine the Champions League, a competition that is becoming increasingly difficult to reach for teams from lesser footballing nations. In their statement, Bayern said:

In its current issue no. 45 dated 3 November 2018, "Der Spiegel" magazine claims that Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, as chairman of the European Club Association (ECA), had betrayed all medium-sized and smaller member clubs belonging to the ECA. "I absolutely and clearly reject this," Rummenigge declared. "The vote in favour of the reform agreed between UEFA and the ECA was unanimous.” Neither he nor FC Bayern Munich have ever acted to the detriment of the ECA, Rummenigge stated.

FC Bayern is also unaware of recent plans for a so-called Super League, also reported by "Der Spiegel", nor has FC Bayern taken part in negotiations relating to such plans. FC Bayern is also unaware of why it is listed in a document quoted in this context by "Der Spiegel".

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "FC Bayern Munich stands by its membership of the Bundesliga and, as long as I am chairman of the board of FC Bayern, also by the club competitions organised jointly by UEFA and the ECA".

None of the other clubs involved have yet responded to the leaks at the time of writing.

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Bayern Munich refute claims they are to be part of a new breakaway league

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Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has refuted claims that he betrayed Europe's smaller clubs

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has refuted claims that he betrayed Europe's smaller clubs

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