Following Allegations: Härtel Resigns from His U19 Position at Union Berlin

Former second-division coach Jens Härtel has resigned from his position as youth coach for Bundesliga club 1. FC Union Berlin, thereby facing the consequences of a disciplinary complaint filed by the DFB Control Committee. The committee had requested a ban on the Berlin U19 coach’s activities for several weeks due to allegations of discriminatory remarks made during training sessions, as Union announced.

“I made mistakes and failed to live up to my role as a role model in the youth program; I have apologized to my team as well as the coaching and support staff, and I would like to extend my apologies to the entire club,” the 57-year-old said, according to a club statement. Härtel has informed the club that he will not be coaching for the time being and will use this time for personal reflection.

Anonymous Allegations of Discrimination

Härtel, who had previously coached 1. FC Magdeburg in the 2. Bundesliga, Hansa Rostock, Eintracht Braunschweig, and most recently FC Erzgebirge Aue in the 3. Liga, had been the subject of allegations of discrimination in an anonymous letter sent to 1. FC Union. No report from a personally affected individual had been received by the club’s internal and external contact points.

“Jens Härtel behaved inappropriately and has been sanctioned by us as a result. We respect his decision and have agreed with him on a leave of absence,” said Union board member Lutz Munack.