Bayern Munich is considering legal action against Canada Soccer while seeking compensation through FIFA’s insurance program after Alphonso Davies suffered a serious knee injury during international duty, according to the Associated Press.
The case raises questions about whether existing insurance frameworks are sufficient to protect clubs from financial losses when national teams fail to provide proper medical care.
Davies tore a ligament and sustained additional damage during Canada’s 2-1 win over the United States in the CONCACAF Nations League third-place match. The 23-year-old underwent surgery upon returning to Germany and is expected to be sidelined for several months, ruling him out for the remainder of Bayern’s season.
Bayern officials have accused Canada Soccer of negligence, arguing that Davies should not have played due to pre-existing muscular issues and that his post-injury treatment was mishandled.
CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen called it “grossly negligent” to allow Davies to board a 12-hour flight without a full medical assessment. Sporting director Christoph Freund echoed these concerns, saying Canada’s handling of Davies’ condition was “incorrect and unprofessional.”
Beyond the potential legal battle, Bayern is expected to file a claim under FIFA’s Club Protection Program, which compensates clubs when players suffer long-term injuries while on national duty. The program, introduced in 2012 after Arjen Robben’s injury at the 2010 World Cup, covers up to $7.5 million per case.
However, with Davies reportedly earning $16.2 million including bonuses, Bayern is unlikely to recover the full financial impact of his absence. FIFA’s insurance payouts are capped and do not cover performance-based incentives, leaving clubs to absorb significant costs.
The case has renewed debate over whether FIFA’s coverage is enough to protect clubs investing millions in top players. As international competitions grow more frequent, some argue that the insurance cap should be raised to reflect rising player salaries.
Bayern’s frustration mirrors broader concerns among elite European clubs, which often see players return injured from international duty without adequate compensation. With Davies out for months and Bayern still competing for major titles, his injury could fuel calls for reforms in how FIFA and national federations manage player insurance before another high-profile case forces change.
