Marcel Schäfer (38) will take over as Managing Director for Sport at VfL Wolfsburg from 1 February 2023. The current Sporting Director will assume the post from Jörg Schmadtke, whose contract is coming to an end on 31 January 2023. The role of Sporting Director meanwhile will be passed on as of February next year to former VfL player Sebastian Schindzielorz. “Marcel Schäfer has had a close relationship with VfL Wolfsburg for a number of years now. As a player out on the pitch, he embodied the virtues of the club, and since 2018 he has enjoyed a successful stint as Sporting Director. Schäfer has not only proven his extensive sporting expertise, he also identifies 100% with the club and the region,” said chairman Frank Witter of the supervisory board’s decision. Schäfer’s contract will run for three years.
At board level, the new Managing Director for Sport will now take on responsibility for VfL Wolfsburg women as well as for men’s football, which is already part of the role.
“A new challenge that I am looking forward to taking on with genuine enthusiasm“
“I am delighted with the trust being shown both to me and to the work that I have accomplished. Following in the footsteps of Jörg Schmadtke will be a real challenge, and one that I am looking forward to taking on with genuine enthusiasm. I have been working closely with Jörg for a number of years and am very grateful that he has given me the opportunity to learn, to work independently and to develop on a daily basis,” said Schäfer.
The former left-sided defender made a total of 314 appearances for VfL, winning the Bundesliga and the DFB Cup. After 10 years with the club, he moved to the USA in March 2017 and played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies for 18 months before having to bring a premature end to his playing career. He then headed back to VfL Wolfsburg to take up the position of Sporting Director.