Turning point in BVB power struggle: Lunow withdraws candidacy | OneFootball

After months of power struggle, BVB President Reinhold Lunow unexpectedly withdraws his candidacy. This leaves Hans-Joachim Watzke as the sole candidate for the position.

Borussia Dortmund experiences an unexpected turn: Reinhold Lunow will not run for president again. This leaves Hans-Joachim Watzke as the only candidate for the position, and the members' meeting in November is likely to become a formality.

In a statement, Lunow said: "In recent weeks, I have worked intensively with my team to secure the further development of BVB in the interests of its members." He was particularly concerned with active member participation, consideration of fan interests, and strict adherence to the BVB basic values code.

The withdrawal came after intense discussions with Watzke. Lunow reports: "In detailed discussions with Hans-Joachim Watzke, who has expressed his interest in the presidency, I have received his promise to consider the points mentioned in case of his election as club president." With this commitment, the outgoing president sees his concerns preserved and can "hand over the office with a clear conscience."

Sole Candidate: Watzke Takes Over BVB Presidency

Originally, a tough power struggle between the two was expected. Watzke had justified his candidacy with the support of influential club bodies such as the Economic Council and the Council of Elders. When Lunow announced his re-election, BVB even introduced a hybrid vote at short notice - a hint at how heated the situation was.

Lunow initially stuck to his candidacy and emphasized that a real election could only be good for the club. But the pressure grew: The BVB statutes usually do not provide for a contested election, the election committee traditionally proposes a candidate. Watzke had already signaled that he wanted to withdraw his application if Lunow was proposed.

With Lunow's withdrawal, the election committee is now likely to propose Watzke as a candidate, making the members' meeting in November a formality. For the club, this development means a period of calm after months of conflict, but Lunow's warning remains urgent: "Borussia Dortmund must not lose its identity in times of change. This includes maintaining our values and tradition and the unconditional cohesion in the Borussia family."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.