OFFICIAL: BVB and Sebastian Kehl end their collaboration

Borussia Dortmund and Sebastian Kehl have jointly agreed on the end of their cooperation. This decision was made amicably by the BVB management and the former sporting director on this Sunday. 

Borussia Dortmund's Sports Managing Director, Lars Ricken, explains: "In a very open conversation, Sebastian Kehl, Carsten Cramer, and I have come to the common conviction that the right time for changes has come in the summer. So that both sides can prepare for this, we have mutually agreed on an immediate termination of Sebastian's activities. Sebastian and I also share a long history. We not only played together for Borussia Dortmund but also became German champions together in 2002. Sebastian has made enormous contributions to our club, and we are very grateful to him for his great commitment."

Since 2018, Kehl was the head of the BVB's licensed players department for four years, during which time the club won the DFB Cup in 2021. In the summer of 2022, the former BVB professional took over the position of sports director. During his tenure, Borussia Dortmund continuously qualified for the UEFA Champions League and even reached the final of Europe's premier club competition in 2024.

Carsten Cramer, spokesman for the BVB executive board, says: "The separation from Sebastian Kehl naturally means a disruption to our sports leadership level. In order to drive forward the changes to be initiated with a view to the new season and also to give Sebastian time for the next steps in his professional future, the separation at this point in time is logical. We would like to thank Sebastian for his commitment, his identification, and his successes and wish him all the best for his future.

As a player, Kehl wore the black-and-yellow jersey for 13 years and won not only three German championships with Borussia Dortmund but also the first double in the club's history, consisting of the championship title and the DFB Cup in 2012. In his various roles, Kehl played a total of 748 games for Borussia Dortmund. 

Sebastian Kehl says: "Borussia Dortmund has accompanied me for half my life, and I have an extreme connection to this great club. Nevertheless, we have now jointly developed the feeling that it is time to embark on new paths - both for BVB and for me. Lars, Carsten, and I have reached this conclusion today in a constructive conversation. I owe Borussia Dortmund a great deal and am proud to have been part of the BVB family for around 24 years. During this time, I have been able to celebrate so many incredible successes with the club, its employees, and its fantastic fans, and it will always make me proud to be part of the club's history. The field here is set, I wish the club only the very best in its realignment and continued greatest possible success. Borussia Dortmund, the incredible stadium, and the South Stand will always have a permanent place in my heart. It was an honor for me"