AUDIO: Kuntz’s departure from HSV – the background (5 min)
As of: January 12, 2026 4:32 p.m
In the case of allegations of sexual harassment against ex-HSV sports director Stefan Kuntz, the Hamburg Bundesliga soccer team has now commented for the first time. Accordingly, “allegations of serious misconduct” led to the termination of the contract.
A statement from the HSV supervisory board on Monday stated, among other things, that the allegations were brought to the committee in December 2025. The supervisory board “immediately after becoming aware of the allegations initiated the investigation into the incidents with the support of specialized external lawyers.”
One result of this for the association was: “After careful examination and the realization that the allegations are credible, the supervisory board immediately decided to strive for a separation from the board member as quickly as possible.” The committee’s statement continued: “Due to the explicit request of the people affected, the protection of those affected was the top priority during the separation, which continues to be the case.”
Video:
HSV: Serious accusations against Stefan Kuntz (1 min)
Accusation of sexual harassment against ex-HSV boss Kuntz
Like first “Bild” reported that it was about allegations of sexual harassment against Kuntz. As a result, an HSV employee reported to the supervisory board at the beginning of December. There were then internal investigations conducted by a law firm. Other women who work at the club were also questioned and further allegations were made.
Kuntz “decisively” rejected the allegations made against him on Sunday. In a post on the social media platform Instagram, he announced that he would take legal action against what he called “false allegations and previous convictions”.
HSV: Kuntz did not take a position
According to the HSV on Monday, the 63-year-old “explicitly did not take advantage of the opportunity to comment on the allegations to the supervisory board, despite multiple offers.” The supervisory board called Kuntz’s allegations of a “defamation lawsuit” “clearly inaccurate and misleading.”
Kuntz surprisingly agreed to terminate his contract with HSV shortly after the turn of the year. The official reason: “personal family” reasons. The chairman of the supervisory board, Michael Papenfuß, spoke of intensive discussions between Christmas and New Year.
Good sporting record
Kuntz took office at the Hanseatic League at the end of May 2024. Under the 1996 European champions, HSV managed to return to the Bundesliga at the seventh attempt. After promotion, he was responsible for a major personnel change, which, after careful analysis, he found to be unavoidable.
Although the 63-year-old got Hamburg back on track in terms of sport, the extension of his contract, which originally expired at the end of the season, was not a formality. Negotiations over a new working paper continued – until Kuntz finally asked for his contract to be terminated around the turn of the year.
Important Bundesliga week for HSV
The non-sporting unrest comes before a groundbreaking week for Hamburg: On Tuesday, HSV welcomes Leverkusen to the Volksparkstadion (8:30 p.m., in the NDR Livecenter), and Borussia Mönchengladbach comes on Saturday (3:30 p.m.).