Germany sporting director Oliver Bierhoff resigns post with immediate effect, saying that he takes ‘responsibility’ following his country’s early World Cup exit
Oliver Bierhoff has resigned as head of the DFB, leaving the German football federation after their early exit from the 2022 World Cup.
Germany crashed out at the group stages for the second men’s World Cup in succession, losing to Japan, and finishing behind Spain on goal difference despite winning their last group match against Costa Rica.
On Monday, it was confirmed that Bierhoff had left his role at the DFB, which included his roles with the national team and the German academy. He was set to be there until 2024, but left early following their dismal showing in Qatar.
In his role with building the Germany of tomorrow, Bierhoff oversaw the construction of a €150m (£129m) coaching centre in Frankfurt.
Oliver Bierhoff has agreed to terminate his contract with DFB, the German football federation
The former national team striker had been working for the German FA since 2004, and oversaw their World Cup win in 2014, and victory in the Confederations Cup three years later.
In a personal statement, Bierhoff, 54, said: ‘I’ve told German FA president Bernd Neuendorf of my decision today. I’m clearing the path for setting a new course.’
He went on to add: ‘My work was founded upon the conviction of doing my best for the German FA and the national teams. But that only makes the results of the men’s national team at the World Cups in Russia and Qatar more painful. That’s why I’m not leaving without the necessary self-criticism.
‘We didn’t manage to repeat previous successes and to give supporters reason to cheer in the last four years. Some decisions we had been convinced of turned out wrong. No one regrets that more than me. I take responsibility for that.’
Bierhoff said he must take ‘responsibility’ after Germany’s second group stage exit in a row
Bernd Neuendorf, the president of the DFB, told the DFB website: ‘Oliver Bierhoff has been of incredible service to the DFB. Even though we have fallen short of expectations on the pitch in recent tournaments, he has been behind big moments.
‘His work will forever be intertwined with our World Cup triumph in Brazil. Even in turbulent times, he always followed his goals and visions and has helped shape the DFB in a sustainable manner.
‘I want to thank Oliver Bierhoff on behalf of all the staff at the DFB for everything he has done for us and football in Germany.’
Germany manager Hansi Flick has also seen his role come under question after their exit from the World Cup, although he will keep his job for now while a new head of the DFB is found.
Antonio Rudiger was part of the Germany side which was eliminated from the World Cup early
Rumoured candidates to replace Bierhoff at the DFB include Borussia Dortmund’s CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke and former Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
Germany must undergo a process of rebuilding trust in their national side, ahead of hosting duties for Euro 2024.
Their World Cup tournament in Qatar began with their surprising 2-1 defeat to Japan, before coming back to draw with Spain, and then defeating Costa Rica 4-2.
They went out on goal difference to Spain, owing to their much heavier win over the CONCACAF side earlier in the competition.
Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke is one of the names who could replace Bierhoff
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