Former Hamburg board-member-for-sport Stefan Kuntz took to instagram on Sunday to emphatically deny recent salacious tabloid accusations leveled against him. Sport Bild reports that the Bundesliga executive’s unexpected resignation earlier this month was caused by an internal scandal. The tabloid claims that multiple women working in the HSV front office accused Kuntz of sexual harassment
The club itself has not specifically addressed the rumors yet. HSV responded to repeated Sport Bild inquires with the same statement, citing Kuntz’s status as an “exclusively internal matter” and citing the 63-year-old’s “personal rights“.
Hamburg’s statements on Kuntz make it appear likely that, at least in part, some of the allegations may have played a role in Kuntz’s resignation. The fact that HSV has not mentioned any sort of internal investigation nevertheless also suggests that some of the Sport Bild reporting might be way off the mark.
It does count for certain that this issue will not be going away any time soon. Kuntz’s reputation within German football renders him far too important a figure to be left alone by the German press.
One fully expected that HSV head coach Merlin Polzin and other club officials will be asked about the matter repeatedly at upcoming press conferences.
Stefan Kuntz’s official statement of denial
“I have received numerous inquiries regarding the current reporting about me,” Kuntz wrote on his instagram feed. “First of all, I would like to say that the allegations have hit me hard. One thing is clear: I categorically reject these allegations! In the interests of my family and all those close to me, I have asked my lawyers to take action against these false allegations.”
