Logo Die Sachsen News
News / Politics

DFB Vice President Winkler Calls for a Quick Successor to Schenderlein

DFB Vice President Winkler Calls for a Quick Successor to Schenderlein
Hermann Winkler criticizes the slow pace of filling the position of sports minister. (File photo) / Photo: Sebastian Gollnow/dpa
From: DieSachsen News
The successor to the former sports minister has yet to be named. In the interest of sports, that should change quickly, says a DFB vice president.

DFB Vice President Hermann Winkler has criticized the slow pace of filling the position of sports minister in the Chancellor’s Office. In an interview with dpa, the president of the Northeast German Soccer Association (NOFV) said that, in the federal government, sports apparently seem to be the least important side issue in the world. 

The former Minister of State for Sports, Christiane Schenderlein (CDU), was dismissed three weeks ago by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU). It remains unclear who will succeed her. Schenderlein has been appointed Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Health.

More from this category

Winkler’s Criticism: “Unacceptable”

“The hasty dismissal and the fact that, nearly a month later, a successor has still not been appointed is unacceptable,” said Winkler.

It is not only the clubs and associations—which are facing difficult circumstances due to the general economic and financial situation—that need more support from politicians. “Upcoming sports policy decisions at the national and international levels, such as the Olympic bid or the Grand Départ of the Tour de France, must also be supported politically,” said the sports official.

In addition, having a point of contact within the government for major events taking place in Germany would be important. “The federal government should finally move quickly to fill this position in the best interests of sports,” Winkler demanded.

Schenderlein: Merz Wants a Well-Known Figure

Merz informed her of the decision by phone on her way back from vacation, Schenderlein told the “Leipziger Volkszeitung” and the “Sächsische Zeitung.” He had been satisfied with her work. However, the chancellor reportedly wants to realign the office “with a person who has a certain level of public recognition.” 

Merz’s decision met with considerable discontent in East German CDU chapters. Saxony’s Minister-President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) publicly criticized the change. The cabinet reshuffle was triggered by the resignation of Union parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn.

“The creation of the new office in the Chancellery for all organized sports and the appointment of Christiane Schenderlein as Minister of State was a ray of hope after the federal election,” said Winkler. “The DFB, for example, was right to demand this position in its pre-election demands so that sports would carry more weight.”

Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved

The translations are automated with the help of AI. We look forward to your feedback and your help in improving our multilingual service. Write to us at: language@diesachsen.com.
Sachsen News
Article from

Sachsen News

Sachsen News is responsible for the content itself. The platform's code of conduct applies. The platform checks and treats content in accordance with the legal requirements, in particular the NetzDG.

Social Media