“Would be happy to be there”
Criticism typical German? Rummenigge defends club World Cup
06/20/2025 – 7:04 p.m.Reading time: 1 min.
The current tournament in the USA is viewed critically in Germany. No surprise for Karl-Heinz Rummenigge-the long-time Bayern boss becomes clear.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has again set itself behind the new club World Cup. He sees criticism of the changed tournament format as a typical German phenomenon. “In Germany, we are generally tilted to approach things with a negative spirit,” said the former CEO of FC Bayern of the “Welt am Sonntag”.
Rummenigge also recalled that the Champions League’s reform was also critically seen critically in the 2024/25 season. “On the last group game day, everyone looked excitedly how the table of the top eight changed,” he said to the critics.
FIFA’s decision to expand the club World Cup in 32 teams was “absolutely necessary” according to Rummenigge. As President of the European Club Association (ECA), he initiated corresponding changes. FIFA President Gianni Infantino highly calculated that he implemented the new format.
The question of the sporting level of the club World Cup did not accept Rummenigge. From the KO phase, the tournament will really take speed-that is the case with every competition. As a player, according to the former striker, “I would be happy to be there”.