Bayern Munich sack CEO Kahn, board member Salihamidzic despite title win

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Bayern Munich on Saturday sacked their CEO Oliver Kahn and board member for sport Hasan Salihamidzic after the team won the 2023 German Bundesliga title.

"Oliver Kahn is no longer CEO of FC Bayern München AG. Hasan Salihamidzic will also be replaced as board member for sport. This was decided by the club’s supervisory board," Bayern Munich said in a statement.

"Kahn will be replaced by the current vice-chairman of the board Jan-Christian Dreesen. Salihamidzic's successor is still to be decided," the German champions added.

In a Twitter post, Kahn said: "I would like to celebrate with you, but unfortunately I can't be with you today because the club has forbidden me."

He praised Bayern Munich senior team's efforts in the 2022-23 campaign in the same tweet.

"Unbelievable! A big compliment and congratulations guys! I always told you so! Always give everything to the end and never give up. I am incredibly proud of you and this achievement!" Kahn added.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich chair Herbert Hainer thanked Kahn and said: "He will always remain a great figure at FC Bayern. We wish him all the best for his future."

Kahn is a former Bayern Munich goalkeeper in 1994-2008 to win eight German titles and the 2001 Champions League. Separately he won the UEFA EURO 1996 with Germany.

Kahn, 53, returned to Bayern Munich in 2020 and has been a Bayern CEO since 2021 after serving as a board member.

During his time as a board member and CEO, the club won the UEFA Champions League title, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Bundesliga twice.

Former Bosnian right midfielder Salihamidzic, 46, was his teammate at Bayern between 1998 and 2007.

Salihamidzic was the club's sporting director in 2017-2020, then he was promoted to the board member for sport.

Kahn and Salihamidzic were the Bayern Munich regulars when the German giants won the 2001 Champions League.

Bayern Munich spent a chaotic season in the 2022-23 campaign, a rare habit for them.

On Saturday, Bayern won their 11th straight German Bundesliga title after their rivals Borussia Dortmund failed to beat Mainz at home.

The Bundesliga title was Bayern's sole major success this season.

This season Bayern were eliminated in the quarterfinals in both the Champions League and German Cup.

The club previously dismissed Julian Nagelsmann in March for poor run and hired Thomas Tuchel for the head coach position.

Bayern Munich last secured the Champions League in 2020.