Hans-Joachim Watzke opens up about his retirement | OneFootball

After Borussia Dortmund's 3-2 away win at Hoffenheim, former or, in fact, current CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke answered a few questions regarding various topics related to the Black-and-Yellows. From Niko Kovač's future and Mats Hummels's possible return to the club at the Club World Cup, the businessman also discussed his stepping down as the CEO.

Since becoming the club's treasurer in 2001, Hans-Joachim Watzke has had a long career at the Westfalenstadion, becoming the CEO in 2005 and also being credited for saving BVB from bankruptcy that same year. In 2024, Watzke announced he would step down as Dortmund's CEO by the end of the current season.

As Watzke claimed that he wouldn't make any decisions regarding the club activities with Lars Ricken taking his spot, he eventually became more involved in Dortmund's administration behind the scenes amidst the club's underwhelming 2024/2025 season. Watzke, however, confirmed he will step down as CEO with a new date in mind:

Watzke apparently seems to want to stick around until the end of Dortmund's fiscal year, which is his strong suit and a brand he has promoted for years. Ultimately, he has made an impact in that department, despite some criticism from fans regarding the football business and nepotistic hiring criteria. Even so, Watzke seems to care deeply for BVB, as he also gave his farewell after so many years at the helm: