Money from FC Bayern: Munich Mayor Reiter must explain secondary employment

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The controversy surrounding Munich's mayor Dieter Reiter and his role at FC Bayern has taken a new turn. After growing pressure, the SPD politician has now confirmed that he received remuneration for his work on the club's administrative advisory board. The problem with this is that there was apparently no formal approval from the city council. The Abendzeitung newspaper reports on the case.

The discussion therefore revolves less around the amount of the payment and more around the question of whether a mayor is even allowed to accept such income without approval.

From volunteer work to paid employment

Reiter has been a member of FC Bayern's administrative advisory board since 2016. The board primarily has an advisory role within the club. According to Reiter, it was initially an unpaid honorary position.

It was not until several years later that the framework conditions changed. Since the end of 2021, members have been entitled to an expense allowance. According to his statement, this amounted to €10,000 per half-year for riders.

This transformed what was originally a voluntary role into a position with regular remuneration—and this is precisely where the political problem begins.

This is because such secondary employment may require approval from the city council for senior municipal officials.

Discussion began with the supervisory board

The debate was originally triggered by another personnel issue. Reiter was supposed to join the supervisory board of FC Bayern.

In the Munich City Council, he initially stated that he was not yet a member of the committee and had merely attended a meeting. Shortly thereafter, however, it emerged that he had already been elected and was officially registered as a member of the supervisory board.

This also brought his other roles within the club into sharper focus.

At the same time, the Left Party faction in the city council asked questions about possible payments in the administrative advisory board. The background to this was a public statement by former mayor Seppi Schmid (CSU), who had received around €20,000 annually for this activity.

Reiter sees no harm

In a statement released later, Reiter admitted to the payments and explained that he had not been aware of the necessary approval.

At the same time, he emphasizes that his work for FC Bayern has never been concealed. He also states that the amounts received have been correctly taxed.

The mayor also stated:
"Nothing was concealed at any time. On the contrary. My commitment to FC Bayern and my activities have been known and public for years."

A legal review of the events has now been initiated. The results will be presented to the Munich City Council.

Support from the association

Support also came from FC Bayern. Club president Herbert Hainer commented on the discussion at a reception held by the city of Munich.

He said:
"All I can say is that we have known Dieter Reiter for a very long time. He has been on the Administrative Advisory Board for over ten years, is a Bayern fan and a special personality. His knowledge and experience are good for us. That's why we appointed him to the Supervisory Board. There's nothing more to say about it."

Critical commentary

This case shows how quickly secondary activities can become politically sensitive. Even if income has been taxed and no direct financial damage has been done, one key question remains: those who hold public office must be particularly careful when it comes to transparency and approvals. It is precisely in such gray areas that the credibility of politics is ultimately determined.

Source: abendzeitung-muenchen.de