Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has told fans protesting against proposals for a European Super League -- an idea he has backed in recent months -- that "it makes no sense to categorically be against changes."
Bayern supporters on the Sudkurve at Tuesday's Champions League game against Benfica displayed a huge banner opposing both the Super League and the introduction of Monday night games in the Bundesliga.
"Monday night games or Super League --football remains the loser," it said, while another quoted Rummenigge's recent statement that "the problem is we all want a lot of money from TV, so we have to add sugar to the coffee."
Fans have warned that the quest to become more marketable to television audiences could end up costing both the Bundesliga and Bayern part of their identities.
But Rummenigge told FAZ: "The fans of the Bundesliga want to see star players at their clubs also in the future, but the players cost more money these days."
He said the new Premier League TV deal "makes it difficult for us here. All clubs want more money. And even though I can understand the fans' concerns, looking at the conflict situation it makes no sense to categorically be against changes."
Rummenigge added that he was "the wrong recipient of this fans' criticism," adding that the idea for Monday night games "stems from the German Football League and not Bayern or me."
The German league is tendering the rights for a new domestic TV contract, set to kick in for the 2017-2018 season.