Markus Merk declares his resignation “for personal reasons”

Third division club 1. FC Kaiserslautern will have to do without the currently most prominent face in their leadership in the future. Former world referee Markus Merk is stepping down from his two honorary posts with immediate effect.

A report of the Rheinpfalz on Tuesday confirmed the kicker. An official confirmation from the four-time master was still pending.

“Our common goal was to stabilize the club and create a foundation for a positive sporting development. We have achieved these goals in the last 24 months despite the corona pandemic. Today I would like to announce that I am volunteering for personal reasons I will give up my job at 1. FC Kaiserslautern at the end of the year so that I can devote myself to other topics outside of the FCK, “said Merk at kicker quoted.

The 59-year-old most recently acted as chairman of the advisory board of “Management GmbH Profifußball” and as deputy supervisory board boss of the association. After two years in office, Merk apparently sees the declared goals of economic and sporting rehabilitation and stabilization as having been achieved.

In fact, during Merk’s term in office, the people of the Palatinate freed themselves from their existence-threatening situation and largely excused themselves. The Red Devils have also taken a step forward in terms of sport. Promotion to the 2nd division is within reach.

In the past few months, ex-professional Thomas Hengen had come more and more to the fore in his role as managing director. Merk and his wife Sabine had recently set up the foundation “beMERKenswert moving” – a trust foundation of the Sepp Herberger Foundation.