June 16 – Bayern Munich fans protested against the state of affairs and governance at world football’s governing body FIFA during their Club World Cup opener, unfurling a banner demanding ‘Smash FIFA’.
The Germans fans displayed the banner at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, referring to the FIFAGate scandal of 2015 when the US Department of Homeland Security indicted more than 40 FIFA officials for corruption. The banner called for change: ‘10 Years Baur Au Lac – World Football Is More Poorly Governed than Before! Smash FIFA!’
The accusation of poor governance comes a decade since the raids at the Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich. The scandal made global headlines and ultimately led to the downfall of then-president Sepp Blatter.
NGO FairSquare recently issued a statement that also accused FIFA of regression, arguing that the reforms “failed to usher in a new era of responsible governance at FIFA”, highlighting the existence of a “model of patronage.”
Bayern fans have a reputation for speaking their piece. They have also recently protested against the ethics of their club’s sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways and club’s ticket prices.
Munich won the match against the amateurs of Auckland City 10-0, a tournament record score. In a 17-minute spell, Jamal Musiala hammered in a hattrick. On Friday, Bayern will play Argentina’s Boca Juniors.
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