The German Football League has filled its new management team with dual internal leadership. Marc Lenz and Steffen Merkel will be promoted and will take over on July 1, as the DFL announced.
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.
“Dr. Marc Lenz and Dr. Steffen Merkel have been doing outstanding work for the DFL for years. 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: “I am firmly convinced that her fresh, creative way of thinking – coupled with her many years of external and in-house experience and expertise – is a very good prerequisite for successfully tackling the current challenges. In particular, I hope that the new management will be supported of the Executive Committee 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 an investor’s failed entry, the existence of the league association in its current form is at stake. Camps have formed in the committees, numerous club bosses have recently brought up the separation of the Bundesliga from the second division, the top clubs are considering the end of central marketing.