Hans-Joachim Watzke wants to become president of Borussia Dortmund. In a film, the sports show looks back on 20 years as managing director. Recently there has been headwind from critics and whistleblowers who leaked explosive documents to the sports show.
On Sunday (November 23rd, 2025) Hans-Joachim Watzke will appear before the general meeting of BV Borussia 09 Dortmund eV as managing director for – probably – the last time. After his speech, according to the script, he will then step down as CEO of the outsourced limited partnership on shares.
Move to the presidency
This is the prerequisite for being elected as the new president a short time later by the meeting, which was held hybrid for the first time.
He would then succeed Reinhold Lunow, who had initially announced that he wanted to compete again, but then withdrew.
This was preceded by a campaign that was irritating, and this is also addressed in the film, which traces the history of Hans-Joachim Watzke as managing director of Borussia Dortmund, with the focus on his last years, in which there was turmoil at the club.
Watzke took over the position of managing director in February 2005 and saved the club from bankruptcy. With the engagement of coach Jürgen Klopp, his best sporting approach was achieved. A golden period with several titles followed.
network up to Federal Chancellery
Watzke, 66 years old, built up a large network over time that today extends to the Federal Chancellery. He built up a power in his own house in which hardly anyone dares to say critical words about the boss in public.
Whistleblowers and critics
But there are whistleblowers who leaked documents to the sports show and the news magazine “Der Spiegel”. It’s about bills for expensive trips on charter flights and dealings with a former top official who is being investigated by the public prosecutor for sexual offenses.
“Real love” – that’s the club slogan of Borussia Dortmund, and that’s also the name of a book by Hans-Joachim Watzke about Hans-Joachim Watzke.
Recently there have been many crises in the romance between fans and club. It remains to be seen whether Watzke can ignite new fire as president.