Bayern Munich have strongly criticized Canada Soccer, accusing them of negligence after Alphonso Davies returned from international duty with a serious knee injury. The Bundesliga club claims that Canada failed to conduct a proper medical assessment before allowing the 24-year-old to travel back to Germany with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Davies sustained the injury just 12 minutes into Canada’s 2-1 victory over the United States in the Concacaf Nations League third-place play-off on Sunday. Initially, Canada’s medical staff cleared him to travel, but upon his return to Munich, further tests confirmed the extent of the damage. The full-back is now expected to be sidelined for at least six months.
During a press conference on Friday, Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund condemned Canada Soccer’s handling of the situation, calling it “borderline” and “negligent.”
“The way things went down was incorrect,” Freund stated. “We are the employer and also pay the players, so we will investigate.”
Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen echoed these concerns in an interview with German newspaper Bild, suggesting that legal action against Canada Soccer is possible.
“Sending an obviously injured player with a damaged knee on a 12-hour intercontinental flight without a thorough medical assessment is, in our view, grossly negligent,” Dreesen said. “This is a clear breach of medical duty of care.”
He also emphasized Davies’ importance to both Bayern and Canada, particularly with the 2026 World Cup approaching.
“Phonzy is not at fault. He’s the captain, and he wants to take responsibility. But Canada, as the host nation of the 2026 World Cup, has already qualified. You cannot take risks with a player like him.”
The timing of the injury is a major setback for both Bayern and Davies. The left-back recently signed a new five-year contract with the club in February, putting an end to speculation about a potential transfer to Real Madrid.
Bayern’s defensive problems have worsened during the international break, as they also lost French centre-back Dayot Upamecano to a long-term leg injury. Additionally, club captain Manuel Neuer remains sidelined, leaving the German giants in a difficult position as they enter a crucial phase of the season.
Bayern Munich has demanded a full investigation into the incident, and the club is reportedly considering legal action to ensure accountability.
BBC Sport has reached out to Canada Soccer for comment, but they have yet to respond.
