The German Bundesliga side's CEO has "demanded" that Canada Soccer "fully investigate" circumstances around the fullback's injury
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Alphonso Davies tore ACL vs. USMNT in Nations LeagueFullback's agent bashed Canada soccer over treatment of defenderClub Bayern Munich now threatening legal action over matterFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Bayern Munich and Canada star Alphonso Davies tore his ACL less than 15 minutes into CONCACAF Nations League third-place match against the U.S. men's national team Sunday, ending his season.
The 24-year-old's agent, Nedal Huoseh expressed how "disappointed" he was in Canada Soccer's treatment of the player around the injury, suggesting that Davies was not fully fit and was "pressured to start" against the U.S. by Canada coach Jesse Marsch.
He will be out for "several months," per the German Bundesliga club, who are now reportedly threatening legal action against Canada Soccer over their medical evaluation of Davies. The club is alleging that Davies did not receive appropriate medical care – as neither Canada or Bayern were aware his ACL was torn until after flight to Germany to be evaluated after the match.
"We're demanding a full investigation into the events from Canada Soccer and expressly reserve the right to take legal action," Bayern chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen told Bild on Friday.
"Sending a clearly injured player with a damaged knee on a 12-hour intercontinental flight without a thorough medical assessment is, in our view, grossly negligent and a clear breach of medical duty of care. The participation of Davies, who already had muscular problems before the game, in a match of no sporting significance is incomprehensible from our point our view."
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund agreed, adding that the treatment Davies received was "incorrect," while noting Davies had reportedly complained of fatigue ahead of the match but he still played.
"He is the captain, a young man who wanted to help his team but it was borderline," he said. "The second issue is the injury after 12 minutes. Then Phonzy flies back on a 12-hour flight and we all assume it is not a serious injury but then we have this. That is sloppy. It is not professional and we need to talk and clear it up. We are the employers, we pay the players, so we will be looking into what happened."
Bayern first-team manager Vincent Kompany added he's disappointed to see the defender injured – along with France star Dayot Upamecano, who was injured representing on international duty, as well.
"It is a pity first of all for Phonzy and Upamecano, who cannot be with us at this crucial period of the season," he said. "This season we had to compensate for other absences. Hopefully it will bring the group tighter together … The reaction is what's important. There are no excuses for me. Just to win the next game and keep improving."
DID YOU KNOW?
Davies will miss the remainder of the Bundesliga season – including their UEFA Champions League run that could end with a final being played in their own stadium – and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup due to the injury.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN AND DAVIES?
Bayern clash with FC St. Pauli on Saturday in Bundesliga action, as they look to earn a crucial three points as they try to secure their hold atop the standings.
Davies, meanwhile, will undergo recovery with an aim to return in the 2025-26 campaign ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.