Stefan Kuntz (foto: Uradni FB/TW/IG profil igralca)
Stefan Kuntz’s sudden exit from HSV is now linked to serious harassment allegations by club employees, with an external investigation ongoing and both sides offering sharply different versions of what really happened.
The beginning of the year brought a shock departure at Hamburger SV, as the club ended its cooperation with sporting director Stefan Kuntz. At the time, HSV explained the move with “personal family reasons”. Now, German media are telling a very different story.
According to Bild, Kuntz’s exit is allegedly connected to accusations of sexual harassment made by several female club employees.
One employee reportedly informed the supervisory board in early December about behavior she described as verbal sexual harassment and inappropriate communication. Her account was, according to the report, independently confirmed by three people familiar with the events.
Following this, HSV’s supervisory board hired an external law firm to investigate the case and interview those involved.
During the process, the first employee named another colleague who allegedly had similar experiences. Her testimony was also assessed as credible by the lawyers, with reports claiming her detailed statement was particularly incriminating.
Kuntz denies all allegations
Stefan Kuntz, however, strongly rejects all accusations and presents himself as the victim of an organised smear campaign.
According to Bild, after the allegations started circulating inside the club, Kuntz filed a complaint with the Hamburg public prosecutor’s office for harassment by unknown individuals, claiming he had been receiving anonymous messages since the summer.
A few days before the winter break, part of the supervisory board reportedly confronted him with the accusations. However, no official hearing or defence reportedly took place.
HSV claim that a planned meeting was cancelled at the request of Kuntz’s lawyer. Kuntz’s side, on the other hand, insists that he was never given a real chance to respond to the allegations.
Kuntz denies any form of sexual pressure or misconduct. His representatives argue that the case is linked to financial motives, claiming HSV saved millions of euros in salary by terminating his contract, especially after the club’s recent sporting success.
The investigation is still ongoing, and HSV continue to promise a full and official explanation for Kuntz’s departure.
What is already clear is that the case has become a serious reputational burden for the club and is likely to haunt HSV for a long time, regardless of how it eventually ends.