FC Bayern openly discussed the controversial issue of Qatar at a round table. Oliver Kahn, Herbert Hainer, Bayern members and also the Qatari ambassador were there. The discussion did not yield any concrete results.
Bayern Munich has once again vehemently defended its involvement in the World Cup host country Qatar. “Improvements can only be initiated through observation and dialogue,” said President Herbert Hainer at the round table with critical fans, human rights activists and representatives from the desert state: “I am firmly convinced that this country must be given a chance!”
During the two-hour, sometimes heated discussion, CEO Oliver Kahn added that the human rights reforms were viewed “a bit disparagingly”. “Honestly, a lot has happened. I believe that sport can do a lot.” You shouldn’t expect too much, but “football can be a very, very important piece of the jigsaw”.
Development in Qatar takes time
“A lot has changed since football arrived in Qatar,” emphasized Kahn: “Of course it’s not quite how we all imagine it. But there’s no getting around dialogue. Then I’m deeply convinced that things will change .”
The Bayern members Michael Ott and Robin Feinauer held against it. “The question arises as to how many people will have to die before the end of the reform process is reached,” said Feinauer, referring to working conditions.
Morale of Bayern questioned
Ott listed the grievances in Qatar and said: “If there is no red line for an advertising partnership, where is there still a red line for FC Bayern?” Ten participants took part in the round of talks in the Allianz Arena, including former Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel. He was “amazed” by the criticism, he said, “we shouldn’t put ourselves on a high moral pedestal,” but rather support Qatar in the reform process.
Qatar officials reject criticism
WM-OC chief Hassan Al-Thawadi said “with pride that we have done what is humanly possible and are committed to progress”. Qatari Ambassador Abdulla bin Mohammed Al-Thani claimed there were “no problems with women’s rights” and called reports the country “bought” the World Cup a “conspiracy”.
FC Bayern and Qatar – the background
FC Bayern has a sponsorship contract with Qatar Airways that runs until 2023. However, the business relationship with Qatar is a hot topic in the club’s fan scene because of the controversial human rights situation in the host country of the 2022 World Cup and the working conditions on the World Cup construction sites.
Bayern member Ott had wanted to submit a spontaneous application at the turbulent annual general meeting of FC Bayern in autumn 2021 to have the sponsorship voted on with the airline. The presidency did not allow it. Ott then sharply criticized the behavior of the FCB leadership.
