Euro 96 winner sacked by club after being accused of ‘inappropriate physical contact’
Stefan Kuntz, the former striker who helped Germany triumph at Euro 96, has been dismissed from his position on Hamburg’s board following accusations of “inappropriate physical contact” made by a female employee at the Bundesliga club.
The 63-year-old departed his sporting director role on January 2, with Hamburg initially announcing he had sought release from his contract due to family circumstances.
However, German publication Bild subsequently reported allegations from multiple club employees, prompting Hamburg to issue a fresh statement acknowledging the claims as “credible”.
The club confirmed that Kuntz consented to his departure after refusing to participate in their investigation into the alleged misconduct.
Hamburg’s supervisory board stated that allegations of serious misconduct were brought to their attention in December 2025, triggering an immediate inquiry with assistance from specialist external legal counsel.
“After careful examination and the finding that the allegations were credible, the supervisory board promptly decided to seek the quickest possible separation from the board member,” the club said in their statement.
The board emphasised that protecting those who raised concerns remained their paramount consideration throughout the process, acting upon the explicit wishes of the individuals involved.
Stefan Kuntz has denied the allegations against him
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Hamburg noted that Kuntz turned down multiple opportunities to address the supervisory board directly regarding the allegations against him.
Kuntz has vehemently rejected all accusations levelled against him, taking to Instagram earlier this week to address the matter publicly.
“First of all I would like to say, the accusations are hitting me hard. It’s clear: I strongly reject these allegations!” he wrote.
Stefan Kuntz won Euro 96 with Germany
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GETTY
The former footballer stated he had instructed his legal representatives at Kanzlei Schertz Bergmann to pursue action against what he termed “FALSE accusations and prejudices” on behalf of himself and his family.
Several Hamburg employees reportedly described Kuntz as a “touchy guy” in accounts shared with Bild.
Hamburg’s statement directly addressed suggestions of a coordinated effort against Kuntz, declaring that claims of a “smear campaign” were “clearly unfounded and misleading”.
Kuntz had served as Hamburg’s sporting director since 2024, arriving at the club with considerable experience in senior football management roles.
Prior to joining the Bundesliga outfit, he managed the Turkish national team and guided Germany’s under-21 side.
Winners of the last five World Cup finals | PA
As a player, the retired striker achieved legendary status with the German national team through their European Championship victory in 1996.
That tournament saw Kuntz play a pivotal role in the semi-final clash with England at Wembley, netting the equaliser to make it 1-1 before Germany prevailed in the subsequent penalty shootout.
The goal remains one of the most memorable moments in the history of the competition for German supporters.
