Photo by Joe Toth/ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
Bayern Munich are coming to the United States, and not just for this summer’s MLS All-Star Game.
Bayern announced on Tuesday that they will open their first overseas subsidiary, FC Bayern Muenchen LLC, on April 1 in New York. The German heavyweights will have a three-person staff in a Manhattan office, and they will be tasked with growing the club’s brand and establishing connections.
Rudolf Vidal, 42, has been appointed managing director of the new company. Vidal was born in Colorado, and was a goalkeeper in the Bayern youth section and reserve teams from 1982-1989 before becoming an attorney and working in sports and marketing.
“I’m delighted to be taking on this substantial and exciting assignment on behalf of FC Bayern,“ Vidal told the club’s site. “Together with my co-workers we will tackle the tasks assigned to us rapidly and with great determination. We want to help in consolidating and continuing to develop the club’s international reputation.“
Bayern Munich are set for a visit to the U.S. in late-July, early-August. They will wrap up their American trip with an appearance in the annual MLS All-Star Game on Aug. 6 in Portland, Ore.
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What do you think of Bayern Munich opening up a U.S.-based office? Intrigued by their strategy? Crossing your fingers and toes for Julian Green to be one of the other two members on Vidal’s staff?
Share your thoughts below.