- Dortmund president Reinhold Lunow withdrew his candidacy
- Move clears way for Watzke to become next president
- Watzke promises Lunow to uphold club’s core values
Dortmund’s current president, Lunow, announced he would not seek re-election, effectively ending the power struggle at the top of the club’s hierarchy. This decision was announced in a club statement and paves the way for a smooth transition of power to long-time CEO Watzke.
Watzke, who will be stepping down from his operational role at the end of the year, is now expected to be elected as the new president. This development brings a swift end to a conflict that had been brewing for weeks, with Lunow initially planning to run against Watzke.
Lunow’s withdrawal marks the end of a turbulent period of internal conflicts at the German club. This presidential dispute follows a separate power struggle that engulfed the club’s sporting department earlier in the year. The initial conflict saw a significant rift between then-sporting director Sebastian Kehl and squad planner Sven Mislintat over control of transfers. That chapter of internal strife concluded when Mislintat was dismissed, stabilising the sporting side of the club. The peaceful resolution of the presidential race between Lunow and Watzke now allows Dortmund to move forward with a unified leadership and a clear focus on the club’s future.
Lunow in an official statement to the club media said: “In recent weeks, my team and I have been working intensively to ensure the ongoing development of BVB in the interests of its members. The active participation of members, the consideration of fan interests and the 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.”
He further added: “In order to secure these objectives, I initially felt that it was necessary to run for re-election. In detailed discussions with Hans-Joachim Watzke, who has expressed an interest in the presidency, I received his promise that he would take the above points into account if he were elected club president. On the basis of this pledge, I feel confident that my concerns will be addressed and can hand over my duties with a clear conscience. I wish the new BVB Executive Committee every success in the future.”
With the internal leadership battles now settled, Dortmund can fully focus on its on-field goals and organisational coherence. The path is clear for Watzke to be formally elected president in November, where he will be tasked with steering the club into a new era.
