Bayern Claims Canada Committed ‘Severe Negligence’ Leading to Davies’ Season-Ending Injury

Bayern Munich issued a legal warning to Canada Soccer on Friday following the injury of defender Alphonso Davies, who returned from the March international break with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

In an interview with the German tabloid Bild, Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen demanded a “full clarification of the events,” alleging that Canada Soccer acted with “gross negligence” and stating that “we reserve the right to pursue legal action.”

Davies, who captains the Canadian national team, suffered his injury just 12 minutes into a third-place CONCACAF Nations League playoff against the United States on Sunday, a match that Canada ultimately won 2-1.

Initially, Canada Soccer declared the 24-year-old fit to play, but a subsequent examination in Munich revealed the severity of his knee injury, sidelining Davies for a minimum of six months.

“It’s grossly negligent to send a clearly injured player on a twelve-hour intercontinental flight without a comprehensive medical assessment; this represents a serious breach of medical duty of care,” Dreesen commented, highlighting that the match had “minimal sporting significance.”

“Phonzy (Davies) is not to blame; he’s the captain and wishes to shoulder responsibility… with Canada already qualified as the host nation for the 2026 World Cup, there’s no room for risk with a player of his calibre.”

During a press conference on Friday, a visibly exasperated Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund told reporters that Canada Soccer’s actions were “borderline and negligent,” adding that “the manner in which it transpired was improper.”

“As the employer who pays the players, we will conduct a thorough investigation.”

Bayern, currently without their captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, also lost centre-back Dayot Upamecano to a long-term leg injury during the international window.

This week, Bayern confirmed Upamecano’s injury, with German media suggesting he could be out for the remainder of the season.

In the league, Bayern holds a six-point lead over defending champions Bayer Leverkusen and will host St Pauli on Sunday.

In the Champions League, Bayern are set to face Inter Milan in the quarter-finals, with this season’s final scheduled to take place in Munich.