Former Bayern Munich striker Karl-Heinz Rummenigge calls for a reduction in international fixtures
Former Bayern Munich attacker and current ECA chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, has urged UEFA and FIFA to reduce the number of international fixtures. He was talking at ECA’s two-day summit in Geneva and revealed that players’ burn-out issue is the main
factor behind this suggestion.
He believes that the sport’s governing body should avoid ‘nonsense’ fixtures, allowing the players to spend more time with their respective clubs.
While talking to the reporters, the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Inter-c39567 Milan man enthused, "We have a Memorandum of Understanding [a formal recognition by Fifa and Uefa, signed in 2008] until 2014. We believe this has to be re-discussed. I have had two meetings [with Sepp Blatter
and Uefa president http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michel-c25453 Platini]. We received clear signs not to be pessimistic. Uefa is very interested in particular to renew the Memorandum of Understanding. I received clear signs that they recognise our request. Fifa and Uefa are coming towards our
position."
Rummenigge showed concerns over the unnecessary international friendlies straight after the Euro 2012 qualifiers. The former West http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Germany-c2904 international confirmed that whole of the association is behind this decision and it’s good for the players too. Karl’s
suggestion was also welcomed by most of the clubs, who at times are hesitant in releasing players due to injury concerns.
The 55-year-old urged FIFA and UEFA to reduce the number of teams from both the World Cup and the European Championships. The former striker criticized the football governing bodies for not focusing on quality. He added that players would perform a lot better
with reduced work load. He simply advised FIFA to rule out all international friendlies and carry on with the qualifying competitions.
Rummenigge, as a player, served Bayern Munich for 10 years (1974-1984) and netted 162 goals from 310 league appearances. He also represented Inter Milan (1984-1987) and bagged 24 Serie A goals from 64 games. He ended his ten-year international career in
1986 with 45 goals to his name from 95 caps for West Germany.
Rummenigge’s concerns and suggestions have been noted down by both FIFA and UEFA but it remains to be seen if anything comes out of it.
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