The coaching crew and players of Bayern Munich spent about nine hours on the plane which is to take them from Berlin to Qatar for the FIFA Club World Cup.
The German machines would have landed in UAE in preparation for a tie with Egyptian giants Al Ahly due to harsh climatic conditions and strict protocols of the COVID-19 which delayed their departure time for about seven hours.
The Athletic reported that the flight was delayed until Saturday morning and Bayern did not leave for Doha until 8:15 GMT because the plane which was meant to convey the need to dissolve the ice in its body, causing a setback for the journey.
There had been taking off shortly before midnight but they fell for the German travel restrictions which placed an embargo on a commercial flight from the countries where the COVID-19 variants are dwelling on Friday
The German-based squad was stranded on the plane which is to be cleared to take off until 7 am. Due to this setback, the plane crew changed at a stopover in Germany, which means the squad left Qatar until after 9:15 in the morning
“After permission to take off from Berlin on Friday night was denied, FC Bayern’s departure for the FIFA Club World Cup after the Bundesliga match at Hertha BSC was delayed by more than seven hours.”the German club said in a statement.
Because of the unscheduled overnight stay, the crew had to be changed and the plane had to make a stopover in Munich. From there, the plane took off for Doha at 9.15 am.” it added
Bayern chief, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge- who said the Bavarians should have a clear goal in bringing back the Club World Cup to Allianz Arena– has expressed his disappointment about the issue.
“We feel totally messed around by the relevant authorities within Brandenburg politics. The people in charge have no idea what they’ve done to our team.” he said
Due to the inconveniences, the Bavarians had found themselves, they only have Sunday to prepare for the tie with Ah Ahly.
The German champions beat Hertha Berlin 1-0 in the Bundesliga on Friday night and were due to fly from Berlin to Qatar for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Bayern Munich will face either Palmerais of Brazil or Tigres of Mexico at the final, should they beat Al Ahly on Monday.
