Benjamin Schmedes Joins DFL As Executive Vice President Sports
The DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga has appointed Benjamin Schmedes as Executive Vice President Sports and Member of the Management Board as the organisation expands its sporting activities and leadership structure.
Schmedes, 41, currently serves as Executive Football Director and Member of the Management Board at Danish top club Brøndby IF. In his new role at the DFL he will report directly to CEO Dr. Marc Lenz.
The appointment forms part of a strategic realignment of the DFL’s football operations, aimed at intensifying sporting development and strengthening cooperation with clubs in order to support the long term sporting success of German professional football. This expanded sporting focus complements the organisation’s existing work in areas including match operations, competition organisation, player and transfer management, sports technology and legal matters.
Key priorities within the development strategy include promoting top talent across youth and transitional pathways, strengthening club structures and supporting stakeholders involved in sporting development. Alongside the work of existing DFL commissions, a temporary expert group bringing together representatives from clubs, external professionals, the German Football Association and the DFL is currently examining these topics.
The league organisation is already implementing several initiatives as part of the restructuring. These include the creation of an additional U21 competition designed to provide more playing time for young players and the launch of the joint DFB/DFL diploma course “Management in Youth Academies”.
As Executive Vice President Sports, Schmedes will oversee all directorates responsible for sporting and sport administrative matters. His reporting lines will also include the Match Operations & Fans division, which will continue to be managed by Ansgar Schwenken. The appointment and associated structural changes were unanimously approved by the supervisory board of DFL GmbH.
Lenz said: “Benjamin Schmedes impressed us with his strong expertise, his perspective on German and international football, and his clear focus on the sporting priorities of the Bundesliga and the clubs. Together, we will intensify the sporting work of the DFL and the clubs as a key foundation for the future competitiveness of German football.”
He added: “At the same time, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Ansgar Schwenken for his work and dedication over ten years as a Member of the Management Board. We are very pleased that Ansgar will remain with us as a valued colleague in the new structure.”
The DFL Management Board, which reports to CEOs Lenz and Dr. Steffen Merkel, will consist of Schmedes alongside Jörg Degenhart (Finance, IT and Organisation), Jürgen Paepke (Legal) and Philip Sagioglou (Communications and Corporate Development).
Schmedes will take up the position after completing his current commitments with Brøndby IF.
