Borussia Dortmund’s leadership dispute has been settled after president Reinhold Lunow confirmed he will step down, clearing the way for long-serving CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke to assume the role, Afrosport reports.
Lunow announced he will not contest for re-election, ending weeks of uncertainty and speculation at the highest strata of the club. The decision, revealed in a club statement, paves the way for Watzke, who is due to leave his operational duties at the end of the year, to be elected Dortmund’s new president.
This ensures the power struggle concludes peacefully, ending the problems that had threatened to destabilise the club. Lunow had initially been expected to run against Watzke, but his withdrawal underlines a need for unity after months of internal conflicts.
Dortmund’s sporting department was also unsettled by a rift between sporting director and squad planner Sven Mislintat earlier this year. The two were engulfed in a conflict over transfer control, but it was swiftly resolved by Mislintat’s dismissal.
In a statement released on Friday, Lunow stressed the importance of protecting Dortmund’s traditions and identity.
The 72-year-old said: “Over the past few weeks, my team and I have worked intensively to ensure the continued development of BVB in the interests of its members. Active member participation, consideration of fan interests, and strict adherence to the BVB Code of Values were particularly important to me. Borussia Dortmund must not lose its identity in times of change. This includes maintaining our values and traditions, as well as unconditional solidarity within the Borussia family.
“To secure these goals, I initially felt it was necessary to run again. In extensive discussions with Hans-Joachim Watzke, who has expressed interest in the presidency, I received a promise from him that he would consider the above-mentioned points if he were elected president. With this commitment, I feel my substantive concerns are being met and can hand over my duties with a clear conscience. I wish the new BVB executive board much success in its future endeavors.”
With both parties now on the same page and Watzke expected to be formally elected in November, the German club can now turn their attention to on-field matters under a unified front.
Dortmund will open their 2025-26 Bundesliga campaign away at St Pauli on Saturday before hosting Union Berlin at Signal Iduna Park on Sunday, 31 August.
