BERLIN, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Borussia Dortmund has parted ways with sporting director Sebastian Kehl with immediate effect, the Bundesliga club announced Sunday.
The decision comes after a 3-2 comeback victory over Hamburger SV on Saturday, a result that keeps Dortmund nine points behind league leader Bayern Munich.
In a joint statement, managing director Lars Ricken said both sides had agreed the summer would be the appropriate time for a change, but opted for an immediate termination to allow both parties to begin preparations.
"In a very open discussion, Sebastian Kehl, Carsten Cramer and I came to the shared conclusion that the summer is the right time for changes," Ricken said, adding that Kehl had made "an enormous contribution" to the club.
Kehl also confirmed the decision, stressing his long-standing bond with Dortmund while acknowledging the need for a new direction. "Borussia Dortmund has been part of my life for half my life, and I have an extremely strong connection to this club," Kehl said, adding that both sides felt it was time to move forward after a constructive conversation.
The former midfielder spent 13 years as a player at Dortmund between 2002 and 2015, winning multiple domestic titles and playing a key role in the club's successes. He later returned in 2018 as head of the professional players' department, overseeing a period that included the club's DFB-Pokal triumph in 2021.
In 2022, Kehl took over as sporting director, with Dortmund consistently qualifying for the UEFA Champions League and reaching the final in the 2023-24 season. Club officials described the separation as a significant step within the sporting leadership structure, but emphasized it would provide clarity ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Senior executive Cramer said the timing would help drive necessary changes while giving Kehl space to plan his next professional move. Dortmund has not yet announced a successor or indicated when a replacement will be named. ■
