Hoeneß warns of Saudi offensive: “I thought the opponents were in England”

Uli Hoeneß is taking the new competition from Saudi Arabia much more seriously than a similar advance from China a few years ago. Back then, a few well-known footballers from Europe were lured to the new market. “There is a component that was not the case in China: that there is plenty of money and we have to pay for the whole thing through our oil bill,” said the honorary president of FC Bayern Munich in an interview RTL/ntv.

The 71-year-old sees major challenges ahead for the European clubs: “The Saudis seem really determined to perhaps dominate world football,” he suspects. Saudi Arabia has brought numerous stars – especially the multiple world footballer Cristiano Ronaldo – to the country with immense investments. It is certain that the 2034 World Cup will also take place there.

Hoeneß: World football is changing a lot

“We are currently undergoing a relatively strong transformation in world football. We always thought that the opponents were in England, in Spain, a little bit in France, in Italy. But now completely new things are coming to world football. Now a country like Saudi Arabia has suddenly emerged with an infinitely large pot of money,” said Hoeneß. An attempt is being made to buy real world-class players and build a proper structure.

Bayern idea against financial strength

In the fight against this incredible financial power, Hoeneß wants to score points with good youth work. “We believe that a club like Bayern Munich can only overcome the challenges that come our way from Saudi Arabia, England, Spain and Italy, not by opening our wallets indefinitely. “But by trying to stand up to them through our own talents and through our youth training center,” said Hoeneß.

“They can only play with eleven players,” said long-time Bayern organizers. “There is enough talent in the world. We have to try to develop a lot of players ourselves through very good youth work.”

Hoeneß criticism of Saudi Arabia

Like the previous World Cup host Qatar, Saudi Arabia has been criticized for its human rights situation and sportswashing. With the latter, the country hopes to receive positive coverage in the international media. The kingdom has been increasingly seeking influence and attention in sport for years.

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