The German Football Association (DFB) is negotiating with former national team player Per Mertesacker for the role of Managing Director Sport, as current officeholder Andreas Rettig has confirmed his departure. The move signals a significant leadership change at the top of German football's governing body.
Rettig's confirmed exit
Andreas Rettig, who has served as Managing Director Sport since 2022, announced he will leave the DFB. His departure opens the door for a new sporting director to oversee the federation's football development, national teams, and youth programs. Rettig's tenure included overseeing the men's national team's preparations for the 2024 European Championship, which Germany will host.
Mertesacker in the frame
The DFB has entered talks with Per Mertesacker, the 39-year-old former Arsenal and Germany defender. Mertesacker currently serves as head of Arsenal's academy, a role he has held since retiring from playing in 2018. He won the 2014 World Cup with Germany and made 104 appearances for the national team. His experience in youth development at Arsenal is seen as a key asset for the DFB's restructuring efforts.
What the role entails
The Managing Director Sport position oversees the DFB's sporting strategy, including the men's and women's national teams, youth academies, and coach education. The DFB has been under pressure to modernize its structures after the men's team's early exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Rettig's departure was expected after the federation announced a reorganization plan earlier this year.
Next steps
Negotiations with Mertesacker are ongoing. The DFB has not set a public deadline for a decision, but the federation is expected to announce Rettig's successor before the end of the year. Mertesacker's potential appointment would mark a return to German football for a figure well-respected both domestically and internationally.
