Hoeness: Bayern May Never Win Champions League Again
April 29, 2006
The Germans, who look set to win their sixth domestic title in eight years, were the European champions for the fourth time in 2001 but Hoeness believes they can no longer compete financially with Europe's big guns.
"The probability is not very big," he told newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung when asked what he felt about Bayern's chances of claiming another Champions League crown.
"Juventus earn 118 million euros per season from selling television rights, we get 16 million," sighed Hoeness. "Over five years, that makes a difference of 500 million euros."
Ballack jumping ship in bid to secure Euro title
Bayern look set to lose their star playmaker Michael Ballack to Chelsea in the close season because they cannot compete with the wages that the billionaire Roman Abramovich-backed west London club can afford.
And Hoeness believes the Chelsea-effect -- ploughing millions of euros into transfers and salaries -- could ruin clubs. "Bayern could play at that game for a short period but I don't want to take that responsibility," he added.