Watzke officially steps down as Borussia Dortmund CEO and is close to becoming chairman; Riken calls for winning the German Cup

Hupu News on November 24: Dortmund Club held the 2025 Annual Shareholders Meeting and released reports from various departments.

Borussia Dortmund is much more than just "football". The heads of departments not only reviewed the club’s titles and championships, but also made some thought-provoking points. At the shareholders' meeting, the blind football team won the German Championship for the first time, and all members stood up and applauded.

The Dortmund stars in suits entered the hall under the leadership of head coach Niko Kovac. The team had a 3-3 draw with Stuttgart in the league the day before, so the applause was moderate at best. The players took their seats in the front row.

Defender Valdemar Anton (29 years old) said on behalf of the team backstage: "I have participated in some member meetings. I think this is just part of the job. It is always beneficial to learn some topics here that are also interesting to our players. We are happy to participate."

Watzke first announced the total revenue of Dortmund's football department: 326 million euros.

He explained: "I said it 20 years ago when I first appeared in public: Dortmund must no longer take on debt for sporting success. We did it. This is extremely rare in football."

He then spoke clearly about the sexual assault scandal:

"It is simply disgusting to see relevant reports in the media. I express my deepest sympathy for the pain suffered by the victims. Those who have bravely come forward. People deserve our highest respect. To those who have not yet come forward, I can only appeal:

Please contact us and we will fully support you. If there is any oversight, we will do everything we can to completely correct it. "

Despite weeks of power struggles at the club's leadership, Watzke expressed his gratitude to outgoing president Reinhold Luhnow.

"Dear Reinhold Luhnow, you have been with me during the difficult times we faced. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Watzke said of the campaign chairmanship

"I am humbled and in awe of this task. It is a completely new role. I will have to make fewer decisions but more to coordinate. I hope to be the leader of all President of Dortmund fans.

I will try to mediate between all parties. My campaign platform can be summarized in three words: unity, trust, future-oriented. ”

Watzke stated one of his goals as president

“I hope to significantly increase the number of women in important positions at the Dortmund club. It depends on what's available. I want to encourage all women to be prepared.

We have a peaceful stadium experience that we are currently trying to turn into the exact opposite of what we have now. The situation is not critical; we don't need any drastic measures, no centralized stadium entry, no personalized tickets. This is unacceptable."

Lars Riken (49), the sporting director of the football department, was full of praise for Watzke

"He always finds a way to frustrate Bayern, even when we are in the game. The money at that time was far less than theirs. His black and yellow heart always guided the way. In the most difficult moments, he was always the first to stand up and say: 'We have a responsibility to cheer up the fans. 'Aki, you are not just a talker!"

Ricken said about coach Niko Kovac

"Nico, we are convinced that you are the best candidate. I believe Dortmund can show good team spirit and you perfectly illustrate the values of Dortmund: fighting spirit, teamwork and hard work.

Dear players, we should once again prove that we are ready to win the German Cup

{1.}As a Dortmund fan and a Dortmund native, I especially hope that our future president Aki Watzke can win the German Cup at the end of the season!

We must realize that we are one of the top eight teams in Europe. We must return to the Champions League."

Watzke said. Comments on controversial issues

"The resolution passed by the 2024 General Meeting of Shareholders is valid and leaves no room for interpretation. If I gain the trust of the chairman, I will not include this issue on the agenda. If discussions need to be discussed within the club, we cannot deprive members of the opportunity."

At the end of the speech in the football department, Watzke officially announced his resignation as CEO.

"I am stepping down now. Thank you all." After serving as CEO for 20 years, Watzke had tears in his eyes. The audience stood up and applauded.

source:7m cnvn