Dortmund – In a surprising move, Borussia Dortmund and sporting director Sebastian Kehl have mutually agreed to complete their collaboration, effective immediately. The announcement, made Sunday, signals a significant shift for the Bundesliga giants as they navigate a trophyless season and prepare for the future.
The decision followed a “very frank discussion” between Kehl, BVB managing director Lars Ricken, and Carsten Cramer, according to Ricken’s statement released by the club. The parties determined that this summer represented the appropriate time for change, necessitating an immediate separation to allow both Kehl and Borussia Dortmund to prepare for what lies ahead.
Kehl’s tenure as sporting director, beginning in 2022, followed a four-year period (2018-2022) leading the club’s professional squad. During that time, Dortmund secured the DFB-Pokal in 2021. As sporting director, he oversaw a team that reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2024, a testament to his impact on the club’s recent success. Prior to his directorial roles, Kehl enjoyed a distinguished 13-year playing career with Borussia Dortmund, contributing to three German Bundesliga titles, including a historic domestic double in 2012 – winning both the league title and the DFB-Pokal in the same season. In total, Kehl participated in 748 matches for the Black and Yellows across all competitions.
The move comes amidst reports of internal friction within the club’s management, specifically a challenging relationship between Kehl and Lars Ricken. According to a report in Bild, “irreconcilable differences” emerged after Ricken was appointed sporting director in spring 2024, a position Kehl had reportedly long sought. The appointment of Ricken, previously head of the youth academy, is said to have been a source of disappointment for Kehl.
“Borussia Dortmund has been a part of my life for half of it, and I have an extreme connection to this great club,” Kehl said in a statement. “Nevertheless, we have jointly come to the feeling that it is time to pursue new paths – both for BVB and for me.”
Speculation is already mounting regarding Kehl’s next move, with reports linking him to a potential role as sporting director at Hamburger SV. Meanwhile, Markus Krösche, currently the sporting director at Eintracht Frankfurt, is being mentioned as a possible successor at Borussia Dortmund, according to various media outlets.
The timing of the announcement, delayed until after Saturday’s match against HSV, was deliberate, according to Kicker, to ensure a clean break ahead of the upcoming international break. Kehl was informed of the decision during a meeting Sunday morning at the BVB offices in Dortmund-Brackel, a conversation lasting approximately one hour.
Carsten Cramer, spokesperson for the BVB board, emphasized the significance of the change. “The departure of Sebastian Kehl naturally marks a turning point in our sporting leadership,” Cramer stated. “To drive forward the changes to be initiated with a view to the new season, and as well to give Sebastian time to take the next steps in his professional future, this separation is the logical step at this juncture.”
This decision marks the end of a long and impactful relationship between Kehl and Borussia Dortmund. From a celebrated player to a key figure in the club’s leadership, his contributions have been substantial. The club now faces the task of finding a replacement and charting a course toward future success, although Kehl embarks on the next chapter of his career.
Borussia Dortmund will undoubtedly be looking to quickly identify and appoint a new sporting director to provide stability and direction as they prepare for the upcoming season. The search for a suitable candidate will be crucial in maintaining the club’s competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.
The club has not yet announced a timeline for the appointment of a new sporting director, but it is expected to be a priority in the coming weeks. Fans will be eager to see who will step into this vital role and guide Borussia Dortmund forward.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Borussia Dortmund is their upcoming Bundesliga match, details of which will be announced on the club’s official website. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on this developing story and all the latest news from the world of football.
