IFC Bayern has defended its decision in a dispute with the German Football Association (DFB) about the later release of its national football players for the preparations for the World Cup. “We explained our reasons to the DFB very precisely, both verbally and in writing. We made this new decision to only release the national players from FC Bayern to the DFB from June 23, essentially out of consideration for their health,” said the Munich team on Wednesday at the request of the German Press Agency.
Bayern further explained: “The cut-off date of June 23 is a recommendation from FIFA and ECA. Chelsea FC are also planning to release their German internationals on June 23.” That would affect midfielder Melanie Leupolz and goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger. The DFB only said that they were in talks. The association had previously accused the Munich team of “breach of word” because the five Bayern players nominated for the World Cup were not released on June 20th.
“Now a lot has crumbled”
Joti Chatzialexiou, sporting director of national teams, referred to an earlier written commitment from FC Bayern and to financial concessions and complained about a cancellation only this Tuesday evening. “The timing is just frightening,” said Chatzialexiou. “Of course that messes up our preparation, on many levels,” said national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg. Affected by the later arrival are the nominated Munich women Lina Magull, Sydney Lohmann, Lea Schüller, Carolin Simon and Klara Bühl.
VfL Wolfsburg, which has ten players in the provisional World Cup squad and is still playing in the Champions League final this Saturday, will not join FC Bayern. The world football association FIFA and the European club association ECA had recommended June 23 as the cancellation date for the tournament from July 20 to August 20.
Almuth Schult criticized FC Bayern for the late shutdown. “There were obviously agreements that were made well in advance. If there is a cancellation at short notice, I can only shake my head at it,” said the goalkeeper at Sport1. The situation fits “with all the unrest that has been going on at Bayern Munich in the men’s area this season,” said the 2016 Olympic champion, who is expecting her third child and will therefore miss the World Cup.
“It’s stupid that it’s now being carried over there too. It’s a shame that such a topic has to be opened up before the World Cup.” For her, it’s also a sign that things aren’t going the way they used to in Munich. “Now a lot has crumbled this season, both in the coaching position and in management,” she said.
From Schult’s point of view, the fact that the Wolfsburg women are more likely to be there could be a disadvantage for the Bayern players. “You want to be there as a player from the start. You want to show yourself, you want to play in the squad,” explained Schult. Voss-Tecklenburg had indicated that the players arriving later would not be eligible for the friendly against Vietnam in Offenbach on June 24.
Wolfsburg coach Tommy Stroot did not want to comment on Bayern’s actions. “We followed that, we have to evaluate the other,” he said on ZDF (Thursday). After the talks with the DFB on the subject of detachment, a joint decision was made and “we stuck to it accordingly. But also always in exchange with our players, who don’t see any problem at all in starting there,” said Stroot.
After Bayern was later switched off for the World Cup preparations, Voss-Tecklenburg is looking for a replacement for the first few days in Herzogenaurach. “Maybe the solution is that we take a few players who are on call,” said the 55-year-old. “Of course that messes up our preparations, on many levels,” Voss-Tecklenburg complained. The national coach also emphasized that the players concerned have “no disadvantage” in the nomination of the final 23-strong World Cup squad.
