Enlarge image
Bayern fans have often criticized the club's Qatar connections
Photo: Renate Feil/MiS / imago images/MIS
FC Bayern Munich has organized a round table on the disputed issue of Qatar.
CEO Oliver Kahn and President Herbert Hainer were present at the exchange on Monday in the Allianz Arena for the record German soccer champion.
Ten people took part in the discussion, including Hassan Al-Thawadi, chief organizer of the 2022 World Cup, ex-Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, but also Qatar-critical Bayern member Michael Ott and Stephen Cockburn, head of economic and social justice at Amnesty International. part.
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.
Qatar has been repeatedly criticized for systematic human rights violations and the exploitation of migrants.
The government of the wealthy emirate has denied the allegations and is leading reforms in favor of foreign workers.
FC Bayern defends Qatar sponsorship
This is how FC Bayern Munich is defending its involvement in the World Cup host country Qatar: "Improvements can only be initiated by looking at things and talking to them," said Hainer at the round table.
»I am firmly convinced that this country must be given a chance!«
During the two-hour, sometimes heated discussion, Kahn added that the human rights reforms were viewed "a bit disparagingly".
"A lot has happened.
I believe that sport can achieve a great deal.” One shouldn't expect too much, but “football can be a very, very important piece of the jigsaw”.
Fan representatives sharply criticize
"A lot has changed since football arrived in Qatar," Kahn asserted. "Of course it's not quite how we all imagine it.
But there is no way around dialogue.
Then I am deeply convinced that things will change.«
Bayern members Ott and Robin Feinauer opposed 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.
Ott listed grievances and said: “If there is no red line for an advertising partnership, where is there still a red line for FC Bayern?”
mfu/sid/dpa
