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The DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga is further expanding its sporting activities and strengthening its leadership structures: Benjamin Schmedes will join the league organisation as Executive Vice President Sports and Member of the Management Board. The 41-year-old is currently Executive Football Director and Member of the Management Board at Danish top club Brøndby IF. At the DFL, he will report directly to CEO Dr. Marc Lenz.
The appointment of Schmedes comes as part of a strategic realignment of the DFL in the area of football operations, which aims to significantly intensify the sporting development and cooperation with the clubs in order to jointly position German professional football for a successful sporting future. This sporting focus complements the legal work in sports as well as established administrative and organisational priorities such as match operations, competition organisation, player and transfer management, and sports technology.
Key elements of the sporting development include the promotion of top talents in youth and transitional areas, the strengthening of club structures, and the support of key stakeholders relevant to successful sporting development. In addition to the relevant DFL commissions, a temporary DFL expert group is currently addressing these and other aspects, bringing together the expertise of clubs, external professionals, the German Football Association (DFB), and the DFL.
In parallel with these consultations, the DFL is already advancing the implementation of concrete measures and a structural reorganisation: Recent initiatives include the establishment of an additional U21 competition to provide more playing time for young talents, as well as the launch of the DFB/DFL diploma course “Management in Youth Academies.” In addition, the DFL is already making structural changes within the league organisation – including adjustments in sporting leadership to further strengthen sporting activities and lay the groundwork for the future implementation of additional measures.
Upon joining the DFL, Schmedes will be responsible at Management Board level for all directorates dealing with sporting or sport-administrative matters, bringing his extensive experience from positions in both German and international professional football. His reporting lines will also include the Match Operations & Fans division, which will continue to be managed by Ansgar Schwenken. The responsible supervisory board of DFL GmbH has unanimously approved the appointment and the associated changes.
“Benjamin Schmedes impressed us with his strong expertise, his perspective on German and international football, and his clear focus on the sporting priorities of the Bundesliga and the clubs. Together, we will intensify the sporting work of the DFL and the clubs as a key foundation for the future competitiveness of German football,” says DFL CEO Marc Lenz. “At the same time, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Ansgar Schwenken for his work and dedication over ten years as a Member of the Management Board. We are very pleased that Ansgar will remain with us as a valued colleague in the new structure.”
The DFL Management Board, reporting to CEOs Dr. Marc Lenz and Dr. Steffen Merkel, will consist of Schmedes together with Jörg Degenhart (Finance, IT and Organization), Jürgen Paepke (Legal), and Philip Sagioglou (Communications and Corporate Development). Schmedes will take up his new role after fulfilling his current obligations with his present employer.
