During an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday in Frankfurt am Main, the DFB executive committee approved the appointment of the 57-year-old. Simon is expected to start his new position on May 1, 2022. The DFB is thus closing the gap that arose after Mirjam Berle left in June 2021.
Deputy DFB General Secretary Heike Ullrich says: “Steffen Simon is one of the best-known figures in German sports journalism. He is an expert, there is no doubt about his competence. He can convince, he can inspire, he knows his craft. In addition to his technical I also appreciate his ability to empathize, his way of leading and dealing with people. I’m really looking forward to our time together!”
Steffen Simon says: “Football is very important to society in Germany. I’m looking forward to getting involved with the DFB in the future.”
19 years in a leading position at WDR
Simon held a managerial position at WDR for 19 years and was most recently responsible for all linear and digital sports content, including the Bundesliga sports show on Erste and sportschau.de, as program manager for sports. Simon was an international match commentator for ARD for 16 years and accompanied the team at eight world and European championships. He was the initiator of the “Amateur Final Day” and a member of the Board of Trustees of the German Football Museum.