Niersbach set for DFB role

Wednesday 7th December 2011 12:56

Wolfgang Niersbach has been confirmed as the likely successor to Dr Theo Zwanziger as president of the German Football Association.

Niersbach is the only candidate in the running to replace Zwanziger, who on Friday announced he would not stand for re-election in 2013.

Zwanziger, 66, is due to leave his post in October 2012, but he could choose to stand down earlier with the transition to his replacement appearing straightforward.

Niersbach received the backing of DFB's five regional associations and the DFB board at a meeting in Frankfurt.

The 61-year-old, currently the the DFB's general secretary, told www.dfb.de: "I have the utmost respect for this office, I realise what a big step it is for me personally.

"My advantage is that I have been in football for nearly 40 years and the DFB in all its facets for over 20 years.

"I trust myself to meet the task because I feel the broad backing I have."

Zwanziger added: "I am delighted that Wolfgang Niersbach, after intense consideration, agreed to be my successor as president of the German Football Association in October 2012. He has my full support."

Germany national team coach Joachim Low also welcomed Niersbach's unopposed candidacy, saying: "It is a good decision that Wolfgang Niersbach is the DFB president candidate. I am looking forward to continuing our good cooperation under new circumstances.

"He is a team player with great experience and a pleasant style of leadership."