Lok president Kracht recalled

Ex-professional and idol Torsten Kracht has been removed as president of regional league soccer club 1. FC Lok Leipzig. This was announced by the supervisory board of the first German soccer champions following a unanimous decision on Thursday evening and described the decision as the "first step towards a new beginning". In addition to Kracht, all previous members of the executive committee were also dismissed, while Michael Weichert, Heiko Spauke and Tommy Militzer were appointed as new members of the executive committee.

"After intensive discussions and numerous talks over the past two weeks, the supervisory board has recognized that fundamental change is necessary," it said. The upcoming measures also include "the supervisory board and executive committee developing a plan for the future on how to realistically achieve sporting ambitions".

Kracht suffered a heart attack in mid-December. He then continued in office. At the beginning of January, accusations were made that Kracht was going it alone. Some of his colleagues on the executive committee, the managing directors and members of the supervisory board demanded the dismissal of the Lok boss in an incendiary letter. The former Bundesliga professional had rejected the accusations regarding his management style.

"I take the accusations very seriously," said the 56-year-old, who took up the post in May 2023. He was previously the club's sporting director and vice-president, for whom he played 283 competitive matches. In 1987, he was in the squad for the European Cup final against Ajax Amsterdam and also played two international matches for East Germany.