We have noted diverse critical commentaries in recent days regarding FC Bayern München’s friendly match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 17 January 2015.
FC Bayern München as a club condemns all forms of cruel punishment that are not consistent with human rights, as in the current case involving blogger Raif Badawi, a critic of Islam. It would have been better to clearly address this on the occasion of our match in Saudi Arabia.
Leading German politicians will also be travelling to Saudi Arabia in the near future. The authority to establish policy in this matter fundamentally lies with politics. We are a football club and not political policy-makers, but naturally everyone, i.e. ourselves included, ultimately bears responsibility for compliance with human rights.
On behalf of FC Bayern München I would again make clear: Our club in particular has always opposed all forms of discrimination, violence and racism. We have been and will continue to be strong advocates of tolerance. When football goes on its travels it is always in part to promote international understanding, and human rights are an integral value within this.
Signed
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
Chairman
FC Bayern München AG
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