Overview
- Delegates are expected to re-elect Bernd Neuendorf on Friday in Frankfurt without a challenger, extending the presidential term length to 2029.
- Neuendorf is credited with stabilizing the DFB’s finances and plans to channel substantial Nike revenues into youth development, amateur clubs and the women’s game.
- A leadership reshuffle is set: Holger Blask will serve concurrently as secretary general and head of the DFB’s commercial arm, Heike Ullrich is slated to become vice president for women’s football, and a new strategy vice presidency goes to Matthias Schöck, drawing scrutiny.
- Despite the presidium expanding to 16 members, the number of women is expected to drop from five to three, with the only contested vote pitting incumbent Silke Sinning against Bavaria’s Silke Raml for a vice-presidency.
- Critics highlight Neuendorf’s paid seat on FIFA’s Council and his lack of opposition to the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, underscoring ongoing governance and transparency concerns.