I've no issue with Bale's transfer fee, insists Rummenigge

The former West Germany international feels Real Madrid have proven that they have the money to fund such lucrative moves despite financial problems for many European clubs

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says he has no issue with the €100 million fee Real Madridpaid to sign Gareth Bale from Tottenham, arguing that it is other European clubs who are not complying with Financial Fair Play (FFP).

The Welshman's world-record transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu was the subject of much debate, with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger claiming the deal made "a joke" of Uefa chief Michel Platini's plan to control spending on the continent.

However, Rummenigge does not believe that Madrid are the problem, as he believes that clubs like los Blancos and the European champions continue to spend within their means.

"I think [UEFA President Michel] Platini is helping a lot. He's hard at work, but still 60 per cent of clubs in Europe are in the red," he told Marca.

"We have to change owner mentalities. Bayern doesn't spend what it doesn't have. 

"If we signed Javi Martinez it was because we had €40m - we didn't request a loan and we don't leave a trail of unpaid debts. 

"Uefa shouldn't go against clubs, but rather try to stop them over-spending.

"It's up to everyone to do what they want, so long as it's within their means. Big clubs like us have the duty and are under pressure to have the best players.

"That's why I believe in Financial Fair Play, because everyone should only spend what they have. 

"If Real bought Bale for such a high price it's because they did well before that and sold players for over €100 million - that's how they were able to pay for it.

"I don't think Real is the problem - other clubs aren't compliant, not Real Madrid, which has cash. 

"Granted, these types of signings don't go down well in Brussels, because they feel the Spanish economy isn't in a state for that sort of money to be changing hands in football; it gives off a bad image socially.

"But I don't think Madrid is a problem financial health-wise