Rejection of mega project
Bayern boss makes clear demands on DFL and FIFA
12/8/2024 – 3:51 p.mReading time: 3 minutes
CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen made clear demands to the DFL and FIFA at FC Bayern’s annual general meeting. He clearly rejects a mega project.
After the new billion-dollar TV deal, Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has positioned himself for the upcoming distribution. “The DFL announced the result of the TV rights auction for the next four seasons on Thursday. I think it’s a very pleasing result and a top performance by everyone involved,” said Dreesen at the annual general meeting of FC Bayern Munich. “We as Bavaria stand by the league’s principle of solidarity. But we are also the driving force of this league.”
We therefore demand “that our performance in distribution is clearly rewarded. Solidarity must not mean slowing down or slowing down the strong. Solidarity means justice: whoever drives the league must also be rewarded accordingly – otherwise it endangers its own future,” explained Dreesen. “No Bundesliga team has greater appeal than FC Bayern. Regionally, nationally and internationally.”
The German Football League will collect a total of 4.484 billion euros from the sale of national TV rights for the 2025/26 to 2028/29 seasons. This is an increase of 84 million euros compared to the currently valid financial statements.
Dreesen also spoke about his sporting goals after a season without a title. He reminded the members in BMW Park of the lost final at home in 2012 and that the team will have this opportunity again this season on May 31st in the Allianz Arena, even if it is still a long way away. “Our players know that too,” said Dreesen. “We were not satisfied with the last season. We did not meet the demands that we as a club have of ourselves and that you have of us,” the CEO told the members.
After the final at home, FC Bayern is also looking forward to the Club World Cup in the USA. “I also expect – and I want to say this clearly – FIFA to increase its speed in marketing this World Cup,” said Dreesen. This competition must “also pay off economically”.
Dreesen sees the Club World Cup itself as a great opportunity – in several respects. It is an “enormous” opportunity “for the players who never have the opportunity to become world champions with their national team.” In addition, he hopes “that we can make a contribution to football conquering the USA. Our greatest potential still lies in foreign marketing; all clubs have to do more so that we are more noticed as the Bundesliga.”
Meanwhile, Dreesen clearly rejected the plans for a possible European Super League. “A few days ago, Florentino Pérez gave a speech and emphasized that Real Madrid continues to support the Super League,” said Dreesen and made it clear: “With us there will be no Super League, under no circumstances. This door is closed.”
Dreesen also gave a tip to Real Madrid’s big rivals in Spain. He reported on a conversation with FC Barcelona club boss Joan Laporta. He asked him: “How did you manage to stay much closer to your roots? That you were able to stay true to yourself?” He replied: “We never sold our souls.”
Dreesen has been a member of the Munich board since February 2013, and from February 2014 the business graduate was deputy chairman of the board. He has been at the helm as Oliver Kahn’s successor since May 2023. Dreesen’s contract was extended last month until June 30, 2027. “My appointment was also a sign of stability, after more than a decade as CFO,” said Dreesen.