Bayern Coach Kompany Chooses Caution Over Comments on Infantino

Bayern Munich's head coach, Vincent Kompany, is opting for discretion regarding his views on FIFA President Gianni Infantino, despite acknowledging he has strong opinions about recent events.

Infantino's proposal to sell shares in a new company responsible for marketing and organizing competitions to private investors has faced significant backlash. In response to threats of boycotts from various continental associations, FIFA decided to retract the initiative temporarily.

This issue has reached FC Bayern, and ahead of a friendly match against Aston Villa, Kompany was questioned about the ongoing debate.

Kompany on Infantino: "I have a strong opinion on this"

The Belgian manager made it clear that he holds a personal stance on the matter but is currently refraining from making public statements. "I have a strong opinion on this. However, at the start of this preparation, it wasn’t directly in my focus. I read about it occasionally, but I’m not deeply involved in the topic. Therefore, I don’t want to add another opinion to the mix – that’s not my main concern at this moment," Kompany explained.

Kompany Prefers Silence: "I want to delve deeper into the topic before I say anything"

Kompany emphasized his desire to understand the issue more thoroughly before commenting. "But something is happening there; that’s all I can contribute. I don’t want to join the long list of people who have expressed their opinions. I would like to read up on the topic deeply before I say anything. My focus is currently more on my own team."

Kompany's cautious approach contrasts sharply with the views of several other FC Bayern officials. President Herbert Hainer recently criticized the investor plans vehemently, labeling them as an excessive commercialization of football. Honorary president Uli Hoeneß and sporting director Max Eberl have also voiced their disapproval.

Infantino Retracts His Plans

At the end of July, FIFA announced intentions to establish the FIFA Forward Enterprise, a new entity that would consolidate all commercial activities and tournament organization. By selling shares to investors, FIFA aimed to generate additional billions in revenue.

However, following substantial criticism from Europe and associations in Asia and North, Central, and South America, Gianni Infantino has temporarily shelved these plans. Nonetheless, the issue does not appear to be fully resolved.

Infantino had previously described the initiative as a "logical next step" to further expand the financial potential of world football.