FIFA
Bayern's Rummenigge supports new FIFA Club World Cup format
Bayern Múnich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has added his support to FIFA's proposed reform of the Club World Cup competition.
Bayern Munich chief executive officer Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has added his support to the FIFA proposal to reform the Club World Cup after a new expanded format was initially received with a negative reaction from European governing body UEFA.
In an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung" the former player stated: "The current Club World Cup which is staged each December is a completion that makes no sense and I can see why FIFA would want to amend the format".
Rummenigge's comments follow L'Équipe's reports that claim Real Madrid would be prepared to participate in the new format.
Rummenigge added that conversations will be ongoing between FIFA, clubs and players to try and reach a mutual agreement.
Earlier, the ECA (European Club Association) stated that none of it's members would be prepared to participate in the new 24 club format outlined by FIFA with a letter from the ECA being sent to the head of FIFA Gianni Infantino. The letter bore the signatures of Bayern Munich's Michael Gerlinger and Real Madrid vice-president Pedro López Giménez.
Rummenigge in the interview, was also critical of the poor communication between FIFA and the ECA stating: This has produced a defensive response and I'm sorry to see that there is no positive debate between FIFA, UEFA and the ECA surrounding the new proposal.