Real Madrid's jaw-dropping transfer fee for Gareth Bale is a market issue not a matter of morals, and respects rules on football financing, European Club Association boss Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said on Tuesday.
.
The Welshman signed from Tottenham Hotspur on September 1 on a six-year contract for a fee of some €94 million, and critics have questioned the symbolism of that astronomical sum as Spain wallows in economic crisis.
.
"The pricing of a player always depends on the market. And this player was very requested on the market, and at the end he had that of course incredibly high price," Rummenigge told reporters as the 214-club ECA wrapped up its general assembly in Geneva.
.
"Coming then to a moral discussion is not easy. Real is looking for fantastic players to be successful on the pitch. I have the clear impression that they are on line with Financial Fair Play rules, and that is the only thing we have to regard," the former Germany star added.
.
Real, a global brand in their own right, are leading financial players in the world of football thanks to revenue streams including TV rights and sponsorship, and judicious working of the transfer market.
.
Bale is just the latest in a string of "galactico" signings, Real president Florentino Perez has made during two spells in charge of the club, in a drive to boost their commercial revenue and success on the pitch.
.
Rummenigge, whose own club Bayern Munich won last season's Champions League, said he understood that thirst for glory – notably from Real, who have nine European titles under their belt, but have gone empty handed since 2002.
I still feel the money is too much though but that does not change the fact that he is a good player. He is still a good buy!