By Duncan Mackay in Munich
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
September 1 – Bayern Munich are set to reopen the debate about whether clubs should receive compensation from FIFA and UEFA if its players, like Arjen Robben (pictured), are injured representing their country.
Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is angry that Robben, voted Bundesliga Player of the Year last season, was hurt playing for the Netherlands before the World Cup and then compounded the problem by taking part in the tournament in South Africa, where his side reached the final before losing to Spain.
“We are in discussion,” said Rummenigge at the Sponsors Sports Venue Summit at the Allianz Arena here.
“It would appear that UEFA is showing a readiness to insure all European clubs against such problems.
“And that’s not just during major competitions, but for every international fixture.”
Robben is expected to miss the first half of this season because of the thigh injury.
Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk has claimed that he was very careful with Robben’s fitness during the World Cup in South Africa but Rummenigge is still demanding compensation from the Dutch Football Federation to help pay his €5.1 annual salary while he is unable to play for Bayern.
“Our goal has not changed,” said Rummenigge said.
“It’s my opinion that the Dutch should compensate us for [Robben’s] wages during the period that he is injured.
“The facts – the data from the MRI scans – are incontrovertible.”
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