First Team

Marcel Schäfer named Managing Director for Sport

Contract through to 2026 / Sebastian Schindzielorz new Sporting Director from next February.

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.

Schindzielorz back with the Wolves

Sebastian Schindzielorz played for VfL Wolfsburg between 2008 and 2013 and was part of the side that won the league in 2009 alongside Schäfer. He made 101 appearances for the reserves and 14 appearances for the first team, giving him a total of 115 matches for the Green-and-Whites. “I enjoyed my time in Wolfsburg both on and off the pitch and look back on it with fond memories. I’m delighted to be returning and to be working closely with a former team-mate,” said the 43-year-old, who was Managing Director for Sport at VfL Bochum up until 1 September – a club for whom he played from youth level right up to the first team between 1988 and 2003. His contract with VfL Wolfsburg will run until 30 June 2025.

Schumacher extends contract

Dr. Tim Schumacher, who has been part of the board since 2016, will now be taking on certain specific executive functions, namely human resources, legal and infrastructure. “I am delighted that Dr. Tim Schumacher will also be a member of the management board beyond 2022. In his time on the board, VfL Wolfsburg has enjoyed a great deal of success, particularly in terms of women’s football, which has become one of the outstanding features of the club,” said Witter.

As of next February 2023, the VfL Wolfsburg management board will therefore be made up of Michael Meeske, Marcel Schäfer and Dr. Tim Schumacher.