Uli Hoeness hits back at Bayern Munich AGM criticism | OneFootball

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness says he was shocked by the criticism he received during Friday’s annual general meeting.

A Bayern club member launched an astonishing attack on Hoeness regarding a number of issues, such as the decision to ban honorary captain Paul Breitner from the stadium, the appointment of sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, the appointment of Niko Kovac, Bayern’s ties with Qatar, and Hoeness’ treatment of former player Juan Bernat.

Speaking on Sunday, the 66-year-old president admitted he has never experienced anything like it during his 40-year association with the club.

“A small fraction tried to damage my untainted reputation as a director, executive and president,” he said.

“I must honestly say I was shocked, I was surprised and thus I am so happy I reacted as calm as I did.

“I have never experienced anything like this. I hope it changes again, otherwise it’s no longer my FC Bayern. Because that’s something I won’t accept.”

Hoeness – whose playing career came to an end when he was just 27 – was appointed commercial/general manager of Bayern in 1979 and has been employed in a variety of leadership roles ever since.

Between 2014 and 2016, he spent time in prison after he was found guilty of seven serious counts of tax evasion, amounting to €28.5m.

However, following his release, he was re-elected president of the Bundesliga giants with a landslide 98.5% vote in November 2016.