Rummenigge demands Robben compensation

Bayern Munich president Karl Heinz Rummenigge has demanded compensation from the Dutch football federation for the lengthy injury lay-off of winger Arjen Robben.

Robben could be out for the rest of the year as he struggles to recover from a thigh injury he picked up before the World Cup finals.

For Rummenigge, the Dutch federation are liable to pay compensation to Bayern for the temporary loss of the 26-year-old’s services.

“I think that the Dutch federation should assure compensation at the level of the salary during the period of unavailability,” Rummenigge said.

He added that the dossier concerning insurance cover by UEFA for clubs hit by an injury to a player on international duty was moving forward.

“UEFA would be ready to insure European clubs against eventual injuries,” Rummenigge told the Munich dailies Munchner Merkur and TZ. “Not only for the big tournaments but also for friendlies with the national sides.”

The finer details of the agreement were still under discussion, he said.

“We’re currently looking into it with UEFA, and following on with FIFA the criteria which could be part of such insurance. It’s expensive but it’s a necessity.”