During the stand-off between Denmark’s top players and the country’s football association, there were various accusations being thrown from one side to the other.
Many of those supporting the footballers insisted it wasn’t about money, but in reality that’s what it boiled down to. The freedom to take personal sponsorships regardless of whether they conflict with deals the DBU has negotiated, and a share of the money the DBU brings in commercially.
The situation hasn’t been fully resolved yet, but things were put to one side so the full Denmark team could turn out against Wales, and they won the match 2-0.
Now the players will return to their clubs and hope it’s all sorted out by the time of the next international break.
Tottenham star Christian Eriksen has been at the centre of the dispute, partly because he’s a senior player, and partly because he has business investments which see him push brands in competition to those who sponsor the DBU.
Speaking to Ekstra Bladet, the Tottenham player explained: “Players are their own companies that earn the money on various sponsorship agreements. The DBU earns a big profit and we ask for a small portion of the cake.
“I do not think there are any players who think about the money when they play for the national team. It’s more a treat. But if they make money then we also have to make money. But it is not here that we get our livelihood.”
