Dr. Jens Buchta leaves FC Schalke 04’s supervisory board

Buchta commented: “I have served S04’s supervisory board in several different functions over many years. I enjoyed this work and I won’t forget my time here. However, the last 12 months in particular have been very intense and challenging. I now believe that others should take over the responsibility and drive this club forward.”

A member of the board for 15 years

Buchta, a club member since 1980, was part of the supervisory board for 15 years. He was vice-chairman for 10 of those years and chairman for the last 12 months. During this time, the club won the DFB-Pokal in 2011, played in Europe on 11 occasions, but also suffered relegation this season.

Buchta added: “Obviously I have made mistakes during this long period, however I have always made every decision with Schalke’s best interests in mind. I am also certain that the structural and personnel decisions we have made in the past few weeks and months, such as distributing the sporting responsibility between several people, will really help the club. I will remain a Schalker in the future.”

The 58-year-old solicitor will lead Schalke through the upcoming members’ meeting on 13th June, the first virtual one in the club’s history.

Peter Lange, vice chairman of the supervisory board, stated: “We were very sad to hear of Jens’ decision and would like to thank him for the hard work and dedication he put into FC Schalke 04. That commitment definitely helped the club over many years. His legal and economic knowledge, as well as his calmness in tricky situations, will be missed on the supervisory board. All the best, Jens!”