His name and his face have been associated with FC Bayern’s success for decades, but now he’s stepping down. After over 40 years as general manager, chairman, president and member of the advisory board at FC Bayern, Uli Hoeneß will not stand for reelection as club president at the annual general meeting on 15 November. The 67-year-old will also step down from his position as chairman of the advisory board. Hoeneß divulged the reasons for this move at a press conference at the Allianz Arena on Friday.

“This is not a decision that has been made at short notice, but rather has grown over time,” explained Hoeneß, who revealed he’d started to think about this question “over the course of recent years”. A desire to spend more time with his family, as well as the record champions’ “fantastic condition” in both a sporting and financial sense, ultimately led him to step down from his positions.

Another “important point”, he added, “is that I want to leave FC Bayern in good hands”. His successor as club president and advisory board chairman is set to be long-serving adidas chairman Herbert Hainer. “He’s a sports man. Anyone who can lead adidas can also lead FC Bayern.” It’s also been announced that former Bayern captain Oliver Kahn will replace Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as FC Bayern München AG chairman on 31 December 2021.

“We’ve managed to make all the important decisions calmly. This club looks after itself and is in top shape,” added Hoeneß, who’s looking forward to life after his career as a functionary. “On 16 November, I’ll have no responsibility for the first time. That’s exciting and I’m looking forward to it.”