The ongoing feud between Manuel Neuer and Marc-Andre ter Stegen has taken a shocking turn after Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness started brandishing threats.
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FC Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen sparked a rivalry with Neuer earlier in the month when he complained about the Bayern star continuously starting ahead of him for the Germany national team.
The 27-year-old's comments follow Neuer's indifferent form for club and country, and sparked a debate around who Die Mannschaft's starting goalkeeper should be.
According to Sport Bild, Hoeness has now waded into the debate by warning Germany manager Joachim Low that Bayern would withdraw their players from national team duty if Neuer was dropped for the former Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper.
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"We would never accept that," Hoeness said.
"Before that happens, we will no longer provide players for the national team."
Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff remains unconcerned by the 67-year-old's comments, however, and believes that FIFA's regulations afford the national team protection against such heavy-handed acts.
"No, because a club is obligated to release its players for international duty as per FIFA regulations," Bierhoff said when asked if he was concerned about Hoeness' threats.
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Germany take on Argentina and Estonia in their next international fixtures next month, but it remains to be seen which goalkeeper will start for the national team.
Who do you think should start for Germany, Neuer or Ter Stegen? Let us have your thoughts by commenting in the section below.
