Kahn criticizes the Mundialito with 32 teams without the "necessary clarifications" within the framework of the ECA

   MADRID, 6 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The general director of Bayern Munich, Oliver Kahn, has criticized this Friday the expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup to 32 teams from 2025, a decision announced "without having previously reached the necessary clarifications with the clubs" in the framework of the European Club Association (ECA).

"The contract between FIFA and the ECA, which regulates the cooperation and also the quota of the national players that are sent to the clubs in the World Cup, has expired in 2022," Kahn said in an interview with Bild.

For the director of the Bavarian club, this new format is an initiative that has been decided "without having previously reached the necessary clarifications with the clubs" from the ECA. "As long as there is no agreement here, there can be no Mundialito with the members of the ECA," Kahn insisted on the "new" competition that will be held from 2025, which will have 32 teams instead of the current seven, and will be held every four years.

In the interview in the German newspaper, the exporter also addressed the situation of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, now injured, and his substitute for the second part of the season. Kahn noted that finding the perfect candidate in this winter market is "tremendously difficult."

"We know Manuel, he will give everything to return in top form," stressed the president of the Bayern board of directors about the "world class" goalkeeper of the Bavarian entity. The player suffered a broken lower right leg while skiing in December.

"Not many clubs are willing to give up their goalkeeper (in January)," lamented Kahn, who admitted that they are considering various options without giving any name. From Bayern he insists that Sven Ulreich is a "reliable and familiar with the situation" goalkeeper.

In addition, Kahn acknowledged that they have started talks with Qatar Airways to be a sponsor of the club, despite the fact that it generates criticism among the team's fans. "It will be a matter of taking stock and then examining each other's interests," he said, before the squad trained in Doha (Qatar). The sponsorship contract between Bayern and Qatar's national airline began in 2018 and expires in the summer.