FC Bayern fans used the game against Bayer Leverkusen to protest against statements made by Honorary President Uli Hoeneß about World Cup hosts Qatar.
“State visits, training camps, thousands of deaths to celebrate the World Cup… It’s only better for your own conscience, Uli H.!” Was the banner. Last weekend, Hoeneß defended the World Cup host Qatar, which was controversial because of the human rights situation and the situation for foreign workers, against criticism on the “Sport1” show “Doppelpass”.
“The World Cup and the commitment of FC Bayern and other sports activities in the Gulf region will mean that the working conditions for the workers there will get better and not worse. You should finally accept that and not constantly hit people,” Hoeneß said when he called the show. The 70-year-old fought a war of words with former DFL managing director Andreas Rettig.
The state airline Qatar Airways is one of the major sponsors of the Bavarians, who want to have their winter training camp in the emirate again this season. This business relationship has been a hot topic in the fan scene for a long time. In autumn 2021, the topic caused a dispute at a general meeting and ultimately chaos. At the beginning of July, FC Bayern invited to a round table.
The Qatari government rejects the criticism. The finals will kick off on November 20th. The final is scheduled for December 18th.