Hertha BSC: President Gegenbauer resigns – not Windhorst’s fault?

Windhorst dispute not reason

First it was reported, the decision was then denied for the time being, now it’s official: Werner Gegenbauer resigns after 14 years in office as President of Hertha BSC. The 71-year-old, who was elected on May 23, 2008, said in a statement from the club on Tuesday evening: “I am grateful and proud that I have been able to act as President of our great club for 14 years. It has always been an honor to serve the club and its members.”

With the decision, Gegenbauer may have prevented the members of the “Old Lady” from voting out on Sunday. In the last re-election in October 2020, Gegenbauer received only 54 percent of the votes unopposed. Several weeks ago, investor Lars Windhorst caused a sensation with massive criticism of Gegenbauer and his club policy. The financial expert had accused Gegenbauer of wasting his investment of 375 million euros. The lender directly called for Gegenbauer to be voted out.

However, the outgoing club boss denied that the dispute with Windhorst was the reason for his decision. “This dispute has never been a personal one. It is a controversy between Hertha BSC and Tennor Holding,” emphasized Gegenbauer “explicitly”.

Hertha BSC: President Gegenbauer wants to “initiate a new beginning” with his resignation

Gegenbauer was elected president in 2008, before that he was chairman of the supervisory board. During his tenure, Hertha was relegated twice. The image of a gray capital club always stuck with her. As a result of the relegation he just achieved in the relegation, he now wants to make room and “initiate a new beginning”: “We have achieved a lot together. Hertha BSC has a good foundation. But there are moments for new beginnings. And I think and feel that such a moment has come today.”

In addition to Gegenbauer, CFO Ingo Schiller is also stepping down, albeit in October. Hertha confirmed this on Tuesday. Sports director Fredi Bobic is currently the only remaining long-term managing director of the Berliners, after Carsten Schmidt resigned last year for personal reasons. Bobic still has a contract until 2024. Bobic finds Schiller’s farewell “a shame”.

Gegenbauer is considered an excellent string puller. However, even in the most recent crisis, he hardly appeared in public. Windhorst accused him of cheating. Through his consortium, Gegenbauer also maintains business in the Hertha haze area via Olympiastadion GmbH, which, according to the information provided by those involved, was properly advertised.

A successor to Gegenbauer must be chosen at an extraordinary general meeting, which can only take place a few weeks after the event scheduled for Sunday. Most recently, the former Ultra and current entrepreneur Kay Bernstein had positioned himself. According to Windhorst, he is not interested in the position and does not want to present a candidate. At the meeting in the exhibition hall, the Tennor boss wants to speak to the Hertha members on Sunday.

Statement from our President: Werner #counterbuilder has announced his resignation as President of Hertha BSC.https://t.co/WMbEcwRz58 #HaHoHe pic.twitter.com/3EB6gaZezN

— Hertha BSC (@HerthaBSC) May 24, 2022

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