Bayern Munich president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge highlighted the German club’s desire to finish this season in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Spanish newspaper AS.

“UEFA have criticised the Belgian league, in my opinion with good reason, for declaring the season over. Here in Germany, however, we all agree, the 36 clubs have decided to finish the season, even if will be after 30th June for political or health reasons. The national leagues have priority over the cups, this was decided by UEFA.”

Rummenigge then praised the work of the German football federation and how the current situation is forcing clubs to stick together to survive.

“The Football Federation is handling the problem pretty well. President Seifert is doing exemplary work. Everything is happening in a harmonious, supportive and fair manner. In this situation it is essential that the strongest support the weakest, we are all aware of this. In this respect, the 20 million euros that the four participants in the last Champions League made available to everyone must be seen, we met in Düsseldorf at a time when it was still possible to travel. We wanted to set an example of solidarity and, finally, we chose to take this measure. Now we have to wait and see how things evolve.”

The Bayern Munich president also touched on how the Bavarian club are working through the uncertain financial waters.

Of course, I think there is an opportunity to emerge from the crisis in financial terms. At the level of Bayern Munich, we are a financially sound company. We still have to distribute television funds which, at the moment, we do not know if they will be distributed and in what way. There is also a lack of revenue from ticket sales and merchandising. Of course, we have a great advantage from ours, turnover and profit have been the engines of football until recently. Now we are realising that the most important factor is liquidity.”

Finally, Rummenigge discussed how FIFA need to step in and find a solution for the fact that players’ contracts will expire on 30th June, before the end of the postponed season.

“As for contracts expiring in June, the market will have to be adapted. With Perisic, Coutinho and Odriozola, we have three players expiring on June 30th. In the event that the season continues beyond that date, it is up to FIFA to find a solution that ensures that they can finish the league with their respective clubs. Otherwise, it would distort competition.”

The Coronavirus emergency has forced leagues around Europe, including Serie A and the Bundesliga, to be postponed until it is deemed safe to play. The virus, which has caused tens of thousands of deaths worldwide, is likely to have reaching financial implications, including in football, with many clubs across the continent now looking to suspend their players’ salaries until the season is restarted.