Klaus Vogt was removed as president of Germany's elite club Stuttgart at a general meeting on Sunday, the latest twist in the difficult pre-season for last season's surprise Bundesliga silver medalist.
Despite a stunning run in the Champions League, there has long been a rift between the fans and the board. 86.03% of the members present voted against the 54-year-old leader remaining at the head of the "Swabians".
"Of course I'm disappointed. Of course this affects and offends me. From my point of view, in the last six years I have given everything for Stuttgart. Yes, three years ago we were in the battle for survival, but now we are in the lead. Especially last season, when we stayed in 2nd place, ahead of Bayern", said the former president to the journalists with emotion in his voice. "Must know – from now on I'm just Klaus and I'm just a fan of the team.
The complex dispute, which currently has no solution, is related to investments in the club of the car company "Porsche". Supporters saw their influence within the club diminished as a result of these moves, were neglected by corporate interests and used their members to push for the removal of the president.
And today's general meeting follows three serious transfers, after which the club parted ways with leading players. The sales are of last season's top scorer Serhu Girassi and German international Waldemar Anton to Borussia Dortmund, as well as defender Hiroki Ito to Bayern Munich.
With this situation, it was announced at the General Assembly that Stuttgart's goal for the new season will be a ranking between 9th and 12th place. They take into account the departure of the important players, which will be combined with a busier calendar in Europe – participation in the new format of the Champions League.