FFP damaging Bundesliga, says Allofs
UEFA’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules are “damaging” the Bundesliga by making it difficult for Wolfsburg to challenge Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, as well as European powerhouses like Real Madrid, says sporting director Klaus Allofs.
Wolfsburg are solely owned by car manufacturers Volkswagen and have previously been under investigation from UEFA as part of the FFP regulations.
Allofs believes the subsequent monetary constraints placed on the club due to their ownership structure have damaged the domestic league and make it tough for them to match the continent’s biggest sides, who can draw revenue from multiple sponsorship deals.
“We have to explain to UEFA that our money comes from a special situation where Volkswagen own 100 per cent. In principle, we cannot invest more money in the team,” he said.
“This is a limitation for many clubs and perpetuates the system to enable Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern to remain on top.
“The situation in the Bundesliga is badly damaged because Bayern gets money through many means: Telekom, Audi, Adidas. For us the biggest part of the money comes from VW.”
Allofs added that it is difficult for them to attract high-profile signings and admitted they have struggled to remain competitive domestically following the sales of Kevin De Bruyne and Ivan Perisic.
“The financial size of a team like Madrid is completely different to Wolfsburg. Madrid calls and the player goes – it’s the same with Bayern,” he said.
“At the moment we have a one-team league with Bayern Munich. Bayern spent a lot of money … so I am certain they will always be favourites.”
Wolfsburg are eighth in the Bundesliga, nine points adrift of the top four.
