Bayern Munich, the reigning champions of the Bundesliga, announced significant changes in their management structure. The club confirmed the departures of CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić. This announcement came just an hour after the club clinched their 11th consecutive Bundesliga title, marking a significant shift in the club’s leadership.
Oliver Kahn, who held his position since 2021, and Hasan Salihamidžić, whose tenure dated back to 2017, have both been released by the club. The decision was made by the club’s supervisory board, which has already moved swiftly to appoint a new CEO.
Stepping into the shoes of Kahn is Jan-Christian Dreesen, who has served as the deputy chairman of the board for the past decade. His appointment has been met with approval from the supervisory board chairman, Herbert Hainer. Hainer expressed his confidence in Dreesen, stating, “Dreesen has done an exceptionally good job for FC Bayern over the past ten years. He lives at FC Bayern, knows the club inside out and knows what is important here. We are very pleased that he has accepted this task. He can tackle without getting used to it, and that’s exactly what FC Bayern need in the current situation.“
FC Bayern Aufsichtsrat: Trennung von Oliver Kahn und Hasan Salihamidžić – Jan-Christian Dreesen neuer Vorstandsvorsitzender.
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) May 27, 2023
The departure of Salihamidžić was attributed to differing opinions about the future direction of the team and the course of the season after the winter break. The decision, as Hainer admitted, was a difficult one for the club. The search for Salihamidžić’s replacement is currently ongoing.
This news comes at a time when Bayern Munich has been making headlines for their performance on the field. The club recently secured the Bundesliga title in a dramatic fashion, with Jamal Musiala playing a pivotal role in the victory.
These changes in Bayern Munich’s hierarchy signify a new era for the club. As the club navigates this transition, fans and football enthusiasts alike will be keenly watching how these changes impact the club’s future direction and performance.
