In what’s shaping up as a dramatic showdown at Borussia Dortmund, the club is witnessing a brewing power struggle between long-time CEO Hans‑Joachim “Aki” Watzke and current club president Dr. Reinhold Lunow. Watzke, who announced his planned departure from the managing director role in **late 2025**, has now made it clear he also harbors presidential ambitions—contrasting with earlier assumptions he would step aside entirely ([Tribuna.com][1], [MarketScreener UK][2]).
The stage is set: the club presidency will be decided in November 2025, and despite stepping down from operations, Watzke is positioning himself as a potential candidate. President Lunow has confirmed he will seek re‑election, emphasizing the need for “renewal and continuity,” and distancing himself from Watzke’s controversial sponsorship deals ([MarketScreener UK][2], [Archysport][3]).
This evolving contest pits Lunow, who opposed the club’s pact with arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, against Watzke, often associated with that deal. The divide signals diverging visions for BVB’s strategic and cultural direction ([Archysport][3], [MarketScreener UK][2]).
Watzke insists he’s “available” for the presidency if called upon but claims he hasn’t formally declared his candidacy. According to internal sources, the prevailing expectation is that Watzke will emerge as the election committee’s preferred nominee for the role ([MarketScreener UK][2], [MarketScreener][4]).
This confrontation isn’t just about titles—it reflects a broader clash over control, legacy, and the club’s future ethos. With an election looming and the fanbase increasingly vocal, BVB’s leadership transition has become one of German football’s most compelling narratives of 2025.
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