On Friday evening, FC Bayern sent out another visible sign of its support for Munich’s bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games as the German champions lit up their Allianz Arena in the colours of the German Olympic Sports Confederation’s bid – black, green, red, blue and yellow – following the home match against Union Berlin. Next Saturday, president Herbert Hainer will be part of the Munich delegation in Baden-Baden, where a decision will be made on which city in Germany will represent the country in its bid to host the major event.
The Olympic and Paralympic Games are “always events that bring people together and celebrate a shared passion across borders. That is why they have such a powerful impact on our society,” says Hainer, explaining the reasons behind FC Bayern’s involvement. Munich has an unrivalled international appeal, and the fact that it has already been awarded the Champions League final for the third time in 2028, as well as hosting the World Athletics Championships in 2031, shows “that the world knows our city can host major sporting events. We are firmly convinced that Munich will host sustainable events that go far beyond a few weeks of sport in the city. Munich proves time and again that it is not only a cosmopolitan city with a heart but also a global sporting city with a heart.” With the arena’s lighting display, the club wanted to emphasise once more “that Munich has a unique radiance. When this façade lights up, our entire identity as a club shines through and we also highlight the values that FC Bayern stands for.”
Both the Olympic and Paralympic Games promote fairness and respect, according to Hainer: “The athletes demonstrate how important it is to treat one another with respect and fairness, regardless of background, gender or disability.” The Games also stand for achievement and discipline: “Their successes, amongst other things, show children how goals can be achieved through training and consistent effort. They also promote inclusion and equality. Paralympic sport, in particular, encourages people to take an active part in life. Sport generally demonstrates that cooperation, mutual support and solidarity are crucial for teamwork.”
Alongside the Bavarian capital, Berlin and the Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr region have put themselves forward as candidates to host the Games. As a metropolis with a long-standing sporting tradition, existing sports facilities and an excellent infrastructure, Munich is an ideal venue for a sustainable major sporting event. Many of the facilities built for the 1972 Olympics are still in use today. Furthermore, should Munich be selected to host the Games, FC Bayern’s modern venues – such as the Allianz Arena, BMW Park and SAP Garden – would serve as competition venues. The extent of support for the bid amongst the sports-loving population was demonstrated last year by the referendum on the Games with a historic 66.4 percent voting yes amid a record turnout of 42 percent.
FC Bayern have already championed the bid in the past. At the Bundesliga clash against Borussia Dortmund last October, Hainer and CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen – under the slogan “United for Munich – OlympiJA!” – joined forces with politicians and Olympians to campaign for Munich as the host city. There were also similar initiatives at matches featuring the women’s team and the basketball team. On social media and in video campaigns, well-known FCB figures such as Uli Hoeneß, Manuel Neuer, Lena Oberdorf and Andi Obst are backing the Bavarian capital’s bid.
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