The former Germany international and longtime Bayern Munich CEO, Karlheinz Rummenigge, has defended the revamped FIFA Club World Cup, arguing that players should not complain about the increased number of matches since their high salary demands require new revenue streams.

"The Money Has to Come from Somewhere"

"Every contract negotiation I have witnessed has always gone in one direction: more and more. But that money has to come from somewhere," Rummenigge said in an interview with Sport Bild.

He highlighted that the DFL (German Football League) managed to maintain and even increase its broadcasting revenues by 2%, calling it "a miracle." However, he pointed out that players and their agents continue to demand higher salaries.

"The money will have to come from other competitions, such as the new FIFA Club World Cup in the summer. This is the trap that the players have set for themselves," he added.

A More Attractive Format and the End of the Confederations Cup

Rummenigge also emphasized that the new format of the Club World Cup is more appealing than the previous one, where the UEFA Champions League winners were often seen as the automatic favorites. He welcomed the decision to replace the FIFA Confederations Cup with a club competition, marking a significant shift in international football.

Additionally, he addressed the rising costs in football, particularly agent fees and player salaries, warning that the sport is heading towards an unsustainable financial future.

"If we continue this way, football will be the only industry that doesn't generate profits but only losses. We are on a collision course, and no one is willing to take their foot off the accelerator," he warned.

As potential solutions, Rummenigge suggested either cost limits for clubs, similar to salary caps in American sports leagues, or direct salary caps for players.

"It would probably be better to limit player salaries to prevent envy in the locker rooms," he concluded.