FC Bayern Munich Faces Scrutiny Over Sponsorship Deals and human Rights Concerns
Amnesty International and concerned fans are raising serious questions about whether FC Bayern Munich is adequately vetting the human rights implications of its lucrative sponsorship agreements, particularly as the club navigates deals with Rwanda and the united Arab Emirates. The German football giant, obligated under UN guidelines to conduct human rights due diligence, is facing mounting pressure to demonstrate transparency and accountability.
According to the UN guidelines on business and human rights, FC Bayern Munich is subject to a human rights due diligence obligation. The club must thus ensure that the sponsorship income it receives was generated in accordance with human rights law. Amnesty International has stated it is not aware of any evidence that the club has fulfilled this obligation,with relevant inquiries repeatedly ignored,raising the risk that sponsorship funds are linked to human rights violations.
initially, it appeared the criticism was having an impact. in February 2025, the club’s CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen, indicated to Deutsche Welle that he had personally followed up with two employees regarding the situation in Rwanda. However,FC Bayern Munich remains largely silent on the findings of that internal review. The August announcement to discontinue shirts bearing the “Visit Rwanda” logo is widely believed to be connected to the employee report, though the club has also suggested Rwanda itself may have been dissatisfied with the advertising campaign’s performance.
A long-time club member, Michael Ott, believes human rights criticism played a pivotal role in the decision. “My impression is that over time there has been a realization that this is a serious issue,” Ott said. “This is perhaps also a lesson learned from dealing with Train.” Prior to the Rwanda sponsorship, Bayern Munich partnered with Qatar Airways, the state-owned airline of Qatar, maintaining a close relationship with the emirate through winter training camps held there from 2011 to 2024.
the transition from Qatar to rwanda, and now the UAE, has not quelled concerns.Ott and other supporters had long opposed the Qatar deal, even facing public rebuke from honorary president Uli Hoeneß at the 2022 annual general meeting.Hoeneß reportedly told Ott, “Your appearance was embarrassing. This is the Bayern Munich football club and not the general meeting of Amnesty International.” While Ott welcomed the withdrawal from the Rwanda partnership as a “positive surprise,” he expressed dismay at the simultaneous announcement of a new deal with the United Arab emirates (UAE).
The UAE’s alleged support for the RSF militias, responsible for atrocities in Sudan, has intensified scrutiny. Ott was again subjected to ridicule at this year’s annual general meeting when Dreesen, to applause, quipped, “Mr. Ott, nice to see you again. I missed you last year, maybe you were on vacation, hopefully not a plane trip.” The ensuing laughter, whistles, and boos, according to Ott, exemplify “how sportswashing works.”
The pattern of accepting sponsorships from nations with questionable human rights records, coupled with the dismissive treatment of
Here’s a substantive news report answering the “Why, Who, What, and How” questions:
Why: FC Bayern Munich is facing scrutiny due to concerns that its sponsorship deals with countries like Rwanda and the UAE might potentially be linked to human rights violations. Activists and fans believe the
