The Frankfurt district chapter of Germany’s Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO) has suffered an initial legal setback in its dispute with former chairman Steffen Krollmann, as a court has ordered the organization to continue paying his salary from October 2025 through June 2026.
This ruling comes after Krollmann’s frivolous dismissal in October 2025, which the AWO justified by alleging violations of internal compliance rules, including claims he planned to rent an apartment in an AWO care facility on Darmstädter Landstraße and undertook preparatory work such as arranging for a kitchen installation.
Krollmann has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that the termination was unjustified and that he had successfully guided the organization toward financial stability following earlier scandals involving former board members Jürgen and Hannelore Richter.
According to Krollmann, the court’s decision not only secures his salary for the specified period but also establishes a legal basis for him to pursue further claims, potentially extending payments through July 2028.
“I am pleased that we won the first round completely,” Krollmann stated, acknowledging that the legal battle is likely far from over given the significant financial implications for his former employer.
He has indicated he is considering additional legal action against the AWO for damages and reputational harm, arguing that the negative publicity surrounding his dismissal has unfairly disadvantaged him in future job prospects.
“So much dirt was thrown at me that it worked to my disadvantage,” Krollmann said. “Any future employer would only need to Google my name once to decide against hiring me.”
The AWO Frankfurt chapter brought Krollmann on in March 2020 as a crisis manager after investigations revealed mismanagement and scandals within the Hessian branch of the organization. His appointment was intended to restore stability and financial health to the regional association.
Despite the AWO’s claims of prior discussion about separation, Krollmann’s legal representative Norbert Pfüger has disputed this, asserting that no formal talks occurred before the termination was issued.
The ongoing proceedings highlight continued turbulence within the Frankfurt AWO, which has struggled to move past controversies that emerged in recent years, including the high-profile case involving the Richter couple that initially prompted leadership changes.
As the legal process unfolds, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with Krollmann emphasizing his vindication in court and the AWO maintaining its stance on the necessity of the dismissal for organizational integrity.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how welfare organizations in Germany handle executive departures amid allegations of misconduct, particularly regarding financial obligations during legal challenges to terminations.
For now, the court’s interim ruling stands, requiring the AWO to fulfill its salary obligations to Krollmann through mid-2026 while the broader dispute continues to be litigated.
Readers interested in developments regarding governance and accountability in nonprofit sports-adjacent organizations are encouraged to follow official court updates and statements from both parties as the case progresses.
