The German Football Association (DFB) on Friday announced a four-year contract extension for president Bernd Neuendorf. Elected unopposed, Neuendorf will now remain in office until 2029 following a vote at DFB headquarters in Frankfurt.
The extension signals a desire for stability within the organization, which had been embroiled in numerous scandals leading to the resignations of the three previous presidents—Wolfgang Niersbach, Reinhard Grindel, and Fritz Heller—and left the DFB struggling financially.
Ambitious Future Agenda
Neuendorf, a former journalist, acknowledged the progress made during his tenure, which has brought a calmer period to the DFB. His focus is now on shaping the future, which includes major commercial and sporting objectives.
“We are now entering a new phase – a phase of shaping the future,” said Neuendorf. “Thanks to our joint efforts as an association, we are once again capable of taking action. We want to move forward courageously.”
A key ambition during his extended term is the consideration of a bid for Germany to host either the 2038 or 2042 World Cups.
Speaking earlier this week, Neuendorf said the DFB would “address this question in the future and see under what conditions such a bid would even be conceivable.” He added confidently, “It is clear that there are only a few associations in the world that have the infrastructure to handle such a tournament with 48 teams and the associated requirements. We can confidently say that we possess excellent infrastructure.”
Germany last hosted the World Cup in 2006.
Financial Turnaround
A critical highlight of Neuendorf’s tenure has been the organization’s financial recovery. In March 2024, the DFB finalized a lucrative deal with American sportswear company Nike to take over as kit manufacturer starting in 2027.
This deal ends a 70-year partnership with German company Adidas but was reportedly double the financial offer, significantly improving the DFB’s financial situation despite attracting some public criticism.
The DFB’s current focus is on a bid to host the Women’s Euros in 2029, with a decision expected in early December.
Source: Super Sports
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