Michael Ott, a member of FC Bayern and head of the fan initiative that submitted an application to end the partnership with Qatar Airways at the annual general meeting last year, has backed up his criticism of the sponsorship ahead of the upcoming AGM. In his opinion, the dialogue cited by many does not come first.
Ott, who had harshly criticized the presidency in autumn 2021 during the turbulent meeting for not allowing his spontaneous application, now agreed t-online: “FC Bayern says they are in dialogue with Qatar to improve things. You can maybe do that as part of a training camp if you talk to all sides on site.”
In his view, “the promotional badge on the sleeve does not represent dialogue, but the unilateral dissemination of a marketing message designed to promote a positive image of Qatar”. At the AGM taking place on Saturday evening, at which the president is also elected, he wants to pursue this topic again. Incumbent Herbert Hainer is there without alternative for re-election.
The lawyer Ott, who works in Baden-Baden, wanted to “ask him again about how he personally positions himself, especially on the Qatar issue. Precisely because the election of the presidium – according to FC Bayern’s arguments – is the only way for the members to exert influence . That’s why you should take a close look at what the candidate stands for.”
After last year’s meeting ended with members no longer being allowed to speak, Ott received a phone call from Hainer the following day and met with him later. There were “a few larger rounds of talks on Säbener Straße, including with Herbert Hainer and Oliver Kahn and several fan representatives”.
FC Bayern and Qatar: “Only hot air”
In addition, a round table was held on July 4th, at which the topic was discussed, which Ott sees at least as a partial success. “But it’s important not only to exchange ideas, but also to take this into account when making decisions. And I still have my doubts about that.”
Many of the answers that FC Bayern gave to a list of questions he submitted were “just hot air. Numerous questions remain completely unanswered. In general, the impression resonates that the decision to continue the sponsorship has already been made.” This is “already frustrating”.
While Hainer recently kept all options open regarding the cooperation with the airline (“We will sit down after the World Cup, first analyze how the partnership was, then talk to our partner and then we will decide.”), the honorary president pleaded Uli Hoeness im Bavarian radio clear for a continuation of the partnership: “But I have nothing to decide. And first you have to ask if the Qataris want to extend it. That’s not clear after the theater in Europe in the last few years.”
