European Super League: Bayern Munich ‘says no’ to breakaway competition

Bundesliga titleholders and 2020 Champions League winners have made their stance ‘explicitly clear’

Bayern Munich have made it “explicitly clear” that they will not be joining the planned European Super League.

News around the breakaway tournament emerged on Sunday, with 12 of Europe’s biggest clubs set to be involved, though Bayern were conspicuous in their absence from the list of participants.

Manchester United, Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are due to be involved, alongside Spanish clubs Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, and Italy’s Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

Other teams are expected to join, but Bayern and German rivals Borussia Dortmund released statements on Monday expressing their opposition to the Super League. RB Leipzig, meanwhile, are also not expected to join.

Bundesliga titleholders and 2020 Champions League winners Bayern have now doubled down on their stance, with club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and president Herbert Hainer releasing a joint statement on Tuesday.

“Our members and fans reject a Super League,” Hainer said.

“As FC Bayern, it is our wish and our aim that European clubs live the wonderful and emotional competition that is the Champions League, and develop it together with UEFA.

“FC Bayern says no to the Super League.”

Rummenigge added: “On behalf of the board, I would like to make it explicitly clear that FC Bayern will not be taking part in the Super League.

“FC Bayern stands in solidarity with the Bundesliga. It always was and is a great pleasure for us to be able to play and represent Germany in the Champions League.

“We all remember fondly our 2020 Champions League victory in Lisbon – you don’t forget such a joyful moment. For FC Bayern, the Champions League is the best club competition in the world.”

Uefa and Fifa have threatened any clubs and players that take part in the Super League with bans from the Champions League, Europa League, World Cup and Euros.