Statement from the HSV supervisory board

HSV has handled the termination of its cooperation with board member Stefan Kuntz, and the reasons for this decision, with discretion and due consideration for the protection of those affected throughout the entire process. In light of Stefan Kuntz’s social media post yesterday, the subsequent publication on BILD.de, and the allegations from sources close to Stefan Kuntz as reported by BILD, the HSV supervisory board considers it necessary to issue the following statement:

1. In December 2025, allegations of serious misconduct by Stefan Kuntz were brought to the attention of the supervisory board of HSV Fussball Management AG. In accordance with its responsibilities, the supervisory board immediately initiated an investigation into the matter upon becoming aware of the allegations, with the support of specialised external legal counsel. Following a careful review and the conclusion that the allegations were credible, the supervisory board promptly made the decision to end any cooperation between the club and the board member at the earliest possible opportunity. As per the explicit request of the affected persons, their protection was given the highest priority in the separation process and continues to be so.
    
2. On this basis, and in full knowledge of the allegations made against him, Stefan Kuntz agreed to the termination of his position with effect from 31st December 2025. He was represented by legal counsel throughout this process. Despite being offered the opportunity to present his position to the supervisory board on several occasions, Mr Kuntz explicitly chose not to do so. Against this background, the claims of a “defamation campaign” against Stefan Kuntz are clearly without merit and misleading.
    
3. HSV does not tolerate misconduct of the nature described, regardless of the level of hierarchy involved. The club remains firmly committed to the values of tolerance and respect as enshrined in its statutes and unequivocally opposes discrimination in any form. In the present case, it was important for the supervisory board to act swiftly and decisively. The protection of the personal rights of the affected persons remains, as has always been the case, the absolute priority for HSV.