DFB president Bernd Neuendorf Secures Second Term, Outlines Ambitious Plans for German Football
Berlin – Bernd Neuendorf was re-elected as President of the German Football Association (DFB) on Friday, signaling continuity at the helm of the nation’s governing body for football. Neuendorf, first elected on March 11, 2022, following the resignation of Fritz Keller, will serve a second term and has already laid out a vision focused on revitalizing both the men’s and women’s national teams, and modernizing the Bundesliga.
The re-election of Neuendorf, the 14th president in DFB history, comes at a pivotal moment for German football. Following disappointing performances in recent international tournaments, and amid ongoing concerns about refereeing standards, Neuendorf aims to steer the DFB towards a future defined by proactive advancement rather than simply administrative oversight. He emphasized the DFB’s mandate extends beyond past achievements, focusing rather on future prospects and strategic initiatives.
A cornerstone of Neuendorf’s second term will be a considerable €100 million investment into the professionalization of the women’s Bundesliga. He also pledged to restore both the men’s and women’s national teams to the pinnacle of world football. Beyond immediate on-field improvements, Neuendorf has also initiated discussions regarding potential bids for future major tournaments, including a third Men’s World Cup on german soil, potentially in 2038 or 2042, and actively pursuing the hosting rights for the 2029 Women’s World cup.
Addressing a critical area of concern, Neuendorf acknowledged the declining performance of German referees and committed to working with the German Football League (DFL) to implement rapid improvements in officiating standards. These ambitious plans signal a proactive approach to addressing key challenges and capitalizing on opportunities within German football.