Marc Lenz and Steffen Merkel, who have so far been largely unknown to the public, will in future form the dual leadership of the German Football League (DFL). The two previous directors replace the interim managing directors Axel Hellmann and Oliver Leki, who are leaving their posts at the end of the month. The league association announced the personnel decision of the DFL supervisory board under the leadership of Hans-Joachim Watzke on Thursday.
“Both enjoy the highest recognition within the organization and with the clubs. They are familiar with all topics and future projects of the DFL Group, were already part of the management level and are well connected,” said Watzke. He hopes that Lenz and Merkel “with the support of the Presidium will succeed in forming a stable foundation for constructive, open cooperation between the 36 clubs.”
The new bosses, who according to the DFL were unanimously appointed by the supervisory board, are facing a Herculean task. Professional football is divided like never before. After the failed entry of an investor, the existence of the league association in its current form could be at stake. Camps have formed in the committees, and there is also talk of a split in the second division.
