Zwanziger unhappy with Hoeness

Former Germany Football Association president Theo Zwanziger has hit out at Bayern Munich chief Uli Hoeness.

Zwanziger, who handed over the presidency of the DFB to Wolfgang Niersbach in March, has made headlines in Germany with the publication of his autobiography Die Zwanziger Jahre (‘The Twenties’).

Speaking in an interview with Welt am Sonntag, the 67-year-old said: “He has made me very disappointed, especially in the international sphere with sweeping awards in the ‘all of them are corrupt’ and ‘I know everything better’ categories and the complete lack of willingness to take on responsibility.

“He had the offer to go instead of me to the FIFA executive branch. He refused. So all I have are his utterances so I am disappointed.

“He is a man who has done an incredible amount in football. He uses his fame but unfortunately not to heal divides but to open them up.”

Zwanziger has also apparently drawn criticism from Niersbach for his half-hearted social activities, something the former president refutes.

“You cannot blame me for being a social romantic. This charge would only be disrespectful if I had neglected the national team, youth development or amateur football,” he said.

“My message is that we must do two things – look after the sporting arena and face the strong social responsibility we have.”