Overview

• Reinhold Lunow surprised Hans-Joachim Watzke by declaring his own candidacy for Borussia Dortmund president despite a prior agreement between them.
• Both the Economic Council and the Council of Elders have unanimously urged Watzke to stand for the presidency of the club’s registered association.
• Watzke said he will use the summer break to assess the personal and professional pressures that come with the non-executive presidential role.
• He reaffirmed his strong commitment to the ’50+1’ rule as essential for maintaining member control and affordable access to matches.
• Watzke emphasized that, although he has other interests, his work at Borussia Dortmund remains the role he loves most.