General assembly: Revolution at BVB – WELT | EUROtoday

At 10:24 p.m. yesterday, Sunday, when the ranks in Westfalenhalle 3 had already thinned out considerably, Thomas Treß made an attraction to the members of Borussia Dortmund who remained within the corridor. The monetary director of Borussia Dortmund, certainly one of Hans-Joachim Watzke’s closest comrades-in-arms over the previous 20 years, requested for a movement entitled “Strengthen democracy!” however please withdraw it and as an alternative focus on the factors contained therein inside the framework of a statutory committee that has but to be fashioned.

Treß may have averted making an attempt to defuse an explosive proposal. The candidates, members Timo Boehr and Christopher Giogios, remained steadfast. The movement was put to the vote and was permitted with over 80 % of sure votes. The members – just a few hundred left at this level – cheered. The assembly had already lasted greater than ten hours.

Boehr and Giogios are a part of the “Bündnis Südtribüne” affiliation, which consists of the 2 giant Dortmund extremely associations “The Unity” and “Desperados”. The core of their software: In the long run, it is not going to solely be the BVB election committee’s duty to make a candidate suggestion for the workplace of president at Borussia Dortmund. The common assembly will then additionally have the ability to make options beneath sure circumstances. If this variation within the statutes had now been adopted on the mammoth assembly on Sunday – Watzke, who was the one candidate, would in all probability not have been elected president.

A reminder for Watzke

Things have been a lot tighter for the long-time managing director than he had in all probability anticipated. At least 75 % approval was stated to have been anticipated within the Watzke camp. In reality, it was solely 56 %. The 66-year-old acquired 2,515 votes. 1729 voted towards him. 232 members abstained. And if the assembly had not been held for the primary time as a hybrid assembly, at which members who weren’t current may additionally vote digitally – Watzke may need missed the bulk even with out opposing candidates.

What occurred at BVB on Sunday was revolutionary. Because the members, particularly the organized followers, flexed their muscle groups. They have proven that they not agree with the course. Above all, the ability battle between Watzke and the earlier president Reinhold Lunow in addition to the sponsorship take care of Rheinmetall have been factors of criticism. Lunow, who lastly cleared the best way for Watzke after a lot wrangling, was farewelled with a standing ovation.

Loads is prone to change at BVB sooner or later. Because within the shadow of the Watzke election, which acquired the best consideration nationwide, selections have been made whose results will prolong far past the brand new president’s three-year time period in workplace.

Almost all purposes for modifications to the statutes have been handed – with giant majorities. In the long run, BVB must develop and take note of an expanded “code of basic values” earlier than sponsorship contracts will be concluded. Deals just like the one with Rheinmetall would hardly be enforceable. But who is aware of whether or not provide chains at gear suppliers, for instance, is not going to be a difficulty? Potential sponsors are unlikely to love such debates. Management should additionally act way more transparently than up to now.

The board of the registered affiliation is not allowed to nominate the members of the financial council; they need to now be elected by the members – which may imply that the administration from the affiliation will expertise considerably extra opposition. That does not make it any simpler to compete towards golf equipment like RB Leipzig or Bayer Leverkusen, which may function utterly freed from affect from members – not to mention to say oneself in worldwide competitors.

The severe modifications that have been applied on Sunday have been strategically nicely ready. “Schwatzgelb.de”, a very powerful fan scene, had sworn within the organized followers. You ought to put together for a protracted day and convey one thing to eat. And the Ultras held out – till Aki Watzke ended the assembly at 12:14 a.m. after the witching hour started. After over 14 hours.