Serious allegations: Was Kuntz forced out over sexual harassment claims? | OneFootball

At the beginning of the year, HSV and Stefan Kuntz unexpectedly ended their previously successful collaboration. There is new information about the background, which casts the separation in a completely different light.

Bild reported on Sunday night that, contrary to what was communicated by the club, it was not solely due to “personal family reasons.” Instead, several female HSV employees accuse Kuntz of sexual harassment. One of the women even felt pressured into oral sex by his remarks. Internally, the incidents became known after an employee approached the supervisory board at the beginning of December. She described behavior by the then sporting director that she considered inappropriate and verbal sexual harassment. This was independently confirmed by three people familiar with the matter.

As a result, the supervisory board engaged an external law firm, which conducted an interview with the woman. During this, she named another HSV employee who allegedly had similar experiences with Kuntz. She was also questioned by the appointed lawyers and deemed credible. The particularly vivid accounts of the second employee left a strong impression.

Kuntz sees himself as the victim of a smear campaign

A few days after the story became public within the club, Kuntz also took action. He reportedly filed a complaint with the Hamburg public prosecutor’s office against persons unknown for stalking, as he had been receiving anonymous messages from an admirer since July that had unsettled him. A few days before the winter break, the 63-year-old was finally confronted with the allegations by part of the supervisory board. He initially announced that he would make a statement. However, according to the club, a planned meeting was ultimately canceled by a Kuntz lawyer. From the Saarland native’s camp, however, it is said that he was never given the opportunity to respond.

Kuntz himself did not want to comment in detail on Bild’s investigation, but stated that he still does not know the women’s detailed allegations. Furthermore, his side made it clear that there was no solicitation for oral sex. Rather, it was a smear campaign—driven by money. Because HSV saves millions through the termination agreement. Kuntz’s salary, whose contract would have been extended by another year if the club had stayed in the league, had significantly improved due to the promotion.

Nur die Raute – All the news about HSV

The clarification of the events is still ongoing. HSV, which has expressly assured the women of confidentiality, is having possible compliance violations by Kuntz examined by a Hamburg law firm. It is unclear whether this only concerns his behavior towards the female employees. Internally, rumors circulated that there had already been employment law measures against Kuntz, who was responsible for the club’s extremely positive sporting development, months ago. The Hanseatics, however, are keeping quiet: “We would like to continue to limit our statement to the fact that Stefan Kuntz asked the supervisory board to leave as of December 31, 2025, for personal family reasons.” What is already clear is that this issue will continue to occupy HSV for some time and may cause some difficulties.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.