DORTMUND, Germany (AP) — Borussia Dortmund’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, has departed from the club immediately, coinciding with a significant restructuring following a season without trophies.
The club announced on Sunday that Kehl and the management had “mutually agreed to part ways,” reaching an “amicable” resolution.
“Now is the appropriate time for a change. To allow both parties to prepare, we mutually agreed to an immediate termination of Sebastian’s contract,” managing director Lars Ricken explained in a statement.
“Sebastian and I share a long history—we played for Borussia Dortmund together and celebrated the German championship victory in 2002. His contributions to our club have been immense.”
Kehl, a former captain who guided Dortmund to the Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, initially served as the club’s director of licensed players in 2018 before being promoted to sporting director in 2022.
“Sebastian Kehl’s departure marks a significant shift in our sporting leadership,” remarked Carsten Cramer, who became CEO after Hans-Joachim Watzke stepped down last October.
“To implement the necessary changes for the upcoming season and to give Sebastian the opportunity to reflect on the next steps in his career, this separation is the logical step at this time.”
Kehl, who joined Dortmund from Freiburg in January 2002, expressed that the club has been a central part of his life. “Dortmund, the incredible stadium, and the Südtribüne [south stand] will always hold a special place in my heart. It has truly been an honor.”