Injury Controversy Sparks Outrage

Bayern Munich has publicly condemned Canada Soccer for what they describe as "gross negligence" after star defender Alphonso Davies returned from international duty with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The injury, sustained during Canada's 2-1 victory over the United States in the Concacaf Nations League third-place play-off, could sideline Davies for at least six months.

Timeline of Negligence

• Sunday: Davies exits the match in the 12th minute with a knee injury.
• Initial Assessment: Canada Soccer clears Davies for travel without a thorough medical examination.
• Return to Munich: Bayern's medical team diagnoses a severe ACL tear, sparking fury from club officials.

Bayern's Strong Response

Christoph Freund, Bayern’s sporting director, labeled Canada’s actions as "borderline negligent."

"The way things went down was incorrect. We are the employer and also pay the players, so we will investigate," Freund stated during a press conference.

Jan-Christian Dreesen, Bayern CEO, escalated the criticism in an interview with Bild:

"Sending an obviously injured player on a 12-hour flight without proper assessment is grossly negligent. We reserve the right to take legal action."

Implications for Davies and Canada Soccer

• Davies, who recently signed a five-year contract extension with Bayern, is now facing a lengthy rehabilitation.
• Canada, as co-hosts of 2026 World Cup, risks damaging relationships with top European clubs over player welfare concerns.
• The incident raises questions about federations’ duty of care for players on international duty.

Additional Injury Woes for Bayern

• Dayot Upamecano (leg injury) and Manuel Neuer (long-term absence) further deplete Bayern’s defensive options.

BBC Sport has reached out to Canada Soccer for comment.