Bayern Munich learn not to fake a major signing to get more Facebook fans

When a club as big as Bayern Munich promises to announce a major signing near the end of dreadfully slow transfer window, it's going to attract a frenzy of attention. And when a club as big as Bayern Munich announce that that promise was just a fake-out so they could pitch you on a new Facebook application, it's going to go over about as well as giving adult diapers as a birthday present.

From the AP:

Bayern had said on its website that it would present a new striker at 2 p.m. local time, and directed fans to go Facebook to watch it live. Once they were logged in, the fans were made to "like" Bayern's page in order to view the proceedings.

But instead of learning who would be striker Mario Gomez's backup, they were instead presented with a promotion entitled "The New FCB Star."

"Dear fans, you probably already noticed that we did not sign a new player. This app is for our fans to show the importance of you for our club," Bayern said.

And that unleashed the backlash as thousands left messages of furious disapproval. This prompted Bayern to post an apology on their Facebook page a mere three hours later.

Sorry dear fans, as we see from your numerous comments, you are very upset about the today's action.

It was not our intention to disappoint you with the new app. Rather, we wanted to provide you with this action in the Center and thus show how important is each fan for Bayern Munich. In several following video clips on the app, the fan should be part of the team by for example the last name of fans on the Jersey is visible and the fan in the media is represented as a star. These personal videos to prepare you and your frien! ds fun a nd joy.

It wasn't their intention to disappoint? Then why get fans' hopes up about a new addition to their beloved football club and then deliver a useless Facebook app that no one asked for? They Bayern marketing department really needs to talk to Franck Ribery about how to pull off an enjoyable prank.