Rummenigge warns: Salary madness in football – PSG shows the way!

Rummenigge warns: Salary madness in football – PSG shows the way!

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently expressed his concerns about rising salaries in European football. He sees the industry in a dangerous spiral characterized by exorbitant contracts and unsustainable financial structures. He also criticized the salaries at FC Bayern as being too high in relation to the value paid. Nevertheless, he brings a positive example into the conversation: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

In an interview, he praised the champagne club for their recent Champions League victory and the changes in the salary structure. PSG has managed to part ways with former top performers such as Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, resulting in a significant reduction in top salaries. Rummenigge believes that PSG can achieve sporting success with smart and sustainable investments. This could be a model for other clubs to stop the wage spiral and focus more on strategic uses of their funds. His views come at a time when discussion about financial fair play and the need for sustainability in football is becoming ever louder.

PSG in the Champions League final

PSG recently became Champions League winners by defeating Inter 5-0 in the final. This result represents the biggest victory in the history of European Cup finals. Due to UEFA's revised prize structure, PSG received more prize money than ever before a Champions League winner. The total winnings fund for the 2024-25 Champions League season was £2.06 billion, a significant increase from £1.74 billion the previous year.

All participating clubs have already received £15.7 million just for taking part. In addition, there was £1.8 million for a group stage win and £590,000 for a draw. PSG achieved four wins and one draw in the group stage, which earned them around £7.4 million. The rewards for progressing through the tournament were as follows:

The two finalists were also guaranteed to receive at least £15.9 million for second place. PSG received an additional £5.6m for winning the final, taking their total bonuses to £21.5m. They are also due around £4 million for taking part in the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham. The upcoming Club World Cup winner is expected to earn around £100 million.

Rummenigge's positive assessment of PSG and their new approach can serve as inspiration for many clubs in Europe that face similar challenges in terms of salary structures and financial responsibility. The topics of sustainability and smart investments are more than ever crucial for sporting success in modern football.