German record champions Bayern Munich have once again made headlines that go far beyond the football world. Just hours after securing the Bundesliga title, the club announced a drastic decision: CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect. This move marks a turning point in the club’s recent history and underlines how high the expectations remain at Säbener Straße.
The decision followed an internal supervisory board meeting, which concluded that despite sporting success, the strategic direction and internal structures had not met the desired standards. The turbulent 2022/23 season, marked by inconsistent performances, coaching changes, and debates over transfer policy, ultimately forced the leadership to act.
Oliver Kahn, who succeeded Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 2021, was seen as the embodiment of the “FC Bayern DNA.” As a former goalkeeper who shaped the club for over a decade, he brought experience and a winning mentality. However, his leadership increasingly came under criticism. Observers pointed to a lack of communication and a leadership style perceived as too distant. While Kahn projected a combative image in public, reports suggested that internally harmony with players and coaches was missing.
Hasan Salihamidžić faced similar challenges. The Bosnian, who had been sporting director since 2017, was initially praised for successful transfers – such as Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala, both of whom turned out to be major successes. But in recent years, doubts about his decisions grew. Costly signings like Sadio Mané failed to deliver the expected results, while the sudden coaching change from Julian Nagelsmann to Thomas Tuchel sparked further criticism.
The combination of inconsistent results, lack of continuity in squad planning, and internal tensions ultimately made a reset unavoidable. Club president Herbert Hainer explained in an initial statement: “These decisions were not easy for us. But we must position Bayern in such a way that it remains at the top both sportingly and financially in the future.”
For the time being, CFO Jan-Christian Dreesen will take over Kahn’s duties as CEO. It is not yet clear who will permanently succeed Salihamidžić. Media speculation already includes high-profile names such as Max Eberl and Matthias Sammer.
The announcement has sent shockwaves not only in Munich but across the entire football world. Fans remain divided: while some see the decision as a necessary fresh start, others regret the abrupt end for two club legends. What is certain, however, is that with the double dismissal of Kahn and Salihamidžić, Bayern Munich is entering a new era – one whose direction will be determined in the coming weeks and months.
