BVB presidency a “lifelong dream”
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A week before the general meeting of Borussia Dortmund, Hans-Joachim Watzke spoke about some controversial topics surrounding BVB in an interview with the fanzine “schwatzgelb.de”. The 66-year-old, who now wants to be elected president of the club after 20 years as managing director, also gave an insight into his emotional state and the so-called power struggle for the office, for which the previous president Reinhold Lunow – contrary to what was previously announced – is no longer applying. Lunow announced this in August.
“I’ve experienced a lot in the last six months that I haven’t experienced in 20 years. Things that have put a lot of stress on me, personally too,” said the BVB boss, who was surprised that Lunow initially wanted to run for office again. However, he did not want to allow a long power struggle for the office. Watzke explained that they had become closer again. “Reinhold and I have spoken to each other and are in the process of normalizing our relationship again. A relationship that has been very good for many, many years,” emphasized Watzke, for whom the presidency is a “lifelong dream.”
The different interests were probably also about the controversial contract with sponsor Rheinmetall. Watzke defended the decision, which was not a solo effort. “As soon as there had been a dissenting vote in a committee, we would not have done it,” explained the BVB managing director. He was upset about the situation afterwards. “I signed the contracts and after the ink was dry, there were suddenly those responsible who distanced themselves from it,” said Watzke.
Before the contract with the defense company ends next year, he wants to discuss the issue again at the general meeting in 2026. “And if the majority of members want us not to extend the contract, I will do my best to do so,” promised Watzke. However, the majority of members had already voted against the contract extension at the 2024 meeting.