Dieter Lübbers, the chairman of Alemannia Aachen, has announced his resignation amid serious allegations and investigations. His decision, made public on February 1, 2025, follows extensive discussions with family and club representatives aimed at preventing any additional harm to the football club.
According to Lübbers, he felt compelled to step down to shield Alemannia from repercussions due to the growing scrutiny surrounding his actions, particularly concerning ties to the hooligan Kevin P., who faces several serious charges, including attempted manslaughter, multiple counts of bodily injury, drug dealing, and possession of illegal weapons.
"The greatest mistake I must attribute to myself is having been naively optimistic and too trusting at the time," Lübbers stated, expressing remorse over his previous shortcomings. This resignation coincides with the imminent trial of Kevin P., set for February 13, 2025, at the Aachen District Court, where he will face the charges related to his violent conduct.
Compounding matters, German newspaper Zeit Online reported significant concerns about Lübbers purportedly trying to hire P. as hired muscle for personal matters, which has sparked outrage and led to investigations by authorities. The controversial nature of these allegations has created waves within and outside Alemannia Aachen, prompting Lübbers to take decisive action.
Particularly troubling are reports stating P. sent videos of his violent acts to several club officials, including head coach Heiner Backhaus and board chairman Marcel Moberz. Though both individuals deny having viewed the footage or responding positively to it, this situation places additional stress on the club’s leadership.
Moberz and Backhaus have faced public criticism for allegedly condoning violence after receiving the video. Both now deny having engaged with its content. Backhaus, expressing his dismay at the circumstances, criticized the club's management for not adequately safeguarding him from such disturbing materials. "I’ve been here for just three months, and the club could have done more to protect me," he remarked during a recent press conference.
Lübbers' departure is intended as damage control, and he stated his hope to protect the integrity of Alemannia by stepping aside. He emphasizes his opposition to violence, positioning himself as a proponent of justice. "Anyone who knows me understands my stance against violence and my commitment to fairness," he wrote.
The incident sheds light not only on Lübbers' choices and the repercussions but also highlights underlying issues with the connection between Alemannia Aachen and the right-wing extremist scene, which has become increasingly apparent through media scrutiny. There are also accusations against Lübbers, linking him potentially to criminal conspiracy before being tempered by the apprehension of P., who is now believed to have been caught during the course of these investigations.
Despite Lübbers stepping down from his position, Moberz and Backhaus have retained their roles within the club, but they continue to navigate the scrutiny surrounding their involvement. Reports suggest the prosecution believes the video sent by P. depicts him brutally assaulting someone within Aachen's red-light district, raising alarms over both the management's response and the club's culture.
For Alemannia Aachen, the shockwaves from this resignation and the surrounding scandal may have lasting effects. Fans and officials alike will be watching closely as the club seeks to regain its standing within the community and distance itself from the violent accusations. Moving forward, maintaining transparency and integrity will be pivotal to the club's reputation.
Lübbers' resignation is not merely about one man stepping down; it symbolizes the challenges faced by organizations when leadership is called directly to account for their actions. It also reflects the broader ecosystem within which sports clubs must operate, balancing public expectations against the realities of governance.
While Lübbers aims to deflect damage from Alemannia Aachen, the coming weeks will reveal the true depth of this crisis and whether the club can mend its relationships with supporters and the surrounding community, marked by maintaining high standards of conduct both on and off the pitch.