Germany sporting director Oliver Bierhoff resigns post with immediate effect after World Cup exit

Oliver Bierhoff has resigned as DFB chief, leaving the German soccer federation after its early exit from the 2022 World Cup.

Germany crashed out in the group stage of the second consecutive men’s World Cup, losing to Japan and finishing behind Spain on goal difference despite winning their final group match against Costa Rica.

On Monday, it was confirmed that Bierhoff had left his post at the DFB, which included his duties with the national team and the German academy. He was scheduled to be there until 2024 but left early after his dismal performance in Qatar.

In his role in building the Germany of tomorrow, Bierhoff oversaw the construction of a €150 million (£129 million) training center in Frankfurt.

Oliver Bierhoff has agreed to terminate his contract with the DFB, the German soccer federation

The former national team striker had been working for the German FA since 2004 and oversaw their World Cup victory in 2014 and Confederations Cup victory three years later.

In a personal statement, the 54-year-old Bierhoff said: “Today I told German FA president Bernd Neuendorf my decision. I am clearing the way to set a new course.

He went on to add: ‘My work was based on the conviction to give my best for the German FA and national teams. But that only makes the results of the men’s team in the World Cups in Russia and Qatar more painful. That is why I am not leaving without the necessary self-criticism.

‘We failed to repeat previous successes and give fans reason to celebrate over the last four years. Some decisions we were convinced of turned out to be wrong. No one regrets it more than me. I take responsibility for that.

Bierhoff said he must take ‘responsibility’ after Germany’s second straight group stage exit

Bernd Neuendorf, president of the DFB, told the DFB website: ‘Oliver Bierhoff has done an incredible service to the DFB. Although we have not lived up to expectations on the field in recent tournaments, he has been behind some great moments.

‘His work will always be intertwined with our World Cup triumph in Brazil. Even in turbulent times, he always followed his goals and visions and helped shape the DFB sustainably.

“I want to thank Oliver Bierhoff on behalf of the entire DFB staff for everything he has done for us and football in Germany.”

Germany coach Hansi Flick has also had his role questioned after his World Cup exit, although he will retain his role for now while a new DFB director is found.

Antonio Rudiger was part of the Germany team that was eliminated early from the World Cup

Rumored candidates to replace Bierhoff at the DFB include Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke and former Bayern Munich boss Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Germany must go through a process of rebuilding confidence in its national team before hosting Euro 2024.

Their World Cup tournament in Qatar began with a stunning 2-1 loss to Japan, before drawing again with Spain and then defeating Costa Rica 4-2.

They went out on goal difference against Spain, due to their much stronger win over the CONCACAF team early in the competition.

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke is one of the names that could replace Bierhoff