Bayern Munich have announced the dismissal of CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic despite winning the Bundesliga title.
Kahn and Salihamidzic both spent a number of years as players with the Bundesliga giants before moving into their more recent roles. However, the pair have parted ways with the club, with Kahn's successor already confirmed.
The former goalkeeper, who - like Salihamidzic - was a Champions League winner in 2001, claims he was forbidden from taking in Bayern's final game of the season from Cologne's RheinEnergieStadion. A late Jamal Musiala winner - coupled with dropped points from rivals Borussia Dortmund against Mainz - delivered the title to Thomas Tuchel's side on a dramatic final day.
"Oliver Kahn is no longer CEO of FC Bayern München AG," s statement from the club read, barely an hour after the final whistle blew in Cologne. "The position of sports director Hasan Salihamidžić will also be filled.
"This was decided by the supervisory board of the German record champions. Jan-Christian Dreesen , 55, will take over from Kahn. The successor to Hasan Salihamidžić is still being decided."
Dreesen has been on Bayern's board since 2013, and has held a number of roles within the club. The deputy chairman of the board had been due to leave at the end of the current season before going back on his decision.
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Despite his dismissal, Kahn congratulated Bayern on their success. Victory for Dortmund would have handed them the title, but a comeback from 2-0 to 2-2 was too little, too late due to the reigning champions' victory.
"Unbelievable! A big compliment and congratulations guys! I always told you so!Always give everything to the end and never give up," the 53-year old wrote on Twitter..
"I am incredibly proud of you and this achievement! I would like to celebrate with you, but unfortunately I can't be with you today because I was forbidden.
"I'm looking forward to next season. We will not only be German champions for the 12th time! Let's celebrate!"
Bayern board chairman Herbert Hainer described both dismissals as difficult decisions. Former Bosnia international Salihamidzic was at the season finale, with Kingsley Coman and Musiala scoring either side of a Dejan Ljubicic equaliser, and issued a statement after his departure was confirmed.
"I'm proud to have had sporting responsibility for FC Bayern for almost six years," the 46-year-old said. "I would like to thank all the players, the coaches, the entire team behind the team and the staff.
"It was a nice journey that I would have liked to have continued, but I respect the decision of the board of directors. FC Bayern is above everything and I wish our team and our fans unity and success.”
