Report finds minimal representation of women in leading football roles
In a recent survey conducted by the organization "Football Can Do More" (FKM), it has been revealed that German Bundesliga clubs are lagging behind comparable small and medium-sized enterprises in Germany in terms of gender representation in top management. The survey, based on the AllBright reports, found that only 6% of top management positions in football clubs are held by women.
The low representation of women in football leadership is a topic of concern for many functionaries of Bundesliga clubs, who are advocating for more diversity. Katja Kraus, co-chair of the FKM board, stated that the low numbers are not a blame game, but a result of the sport itself.
Fernando Carro, CEO of Bayer Leverkusen, emphasized the importance of diversity for their organization and society as a whole. Axel Hellmann, CEO of Eintracht Frankfurt and co-chair of the FKM board, also expressed a desire for more women in leadership positions in football.
However, there are no widely publicized, formalized initiatives or programs specifically targeting an increase in women's representation in top management positions within German Bundesliga football clubs. The absence of such initiatives suggests either they remain limited, underreported, or are integrated within broader gender equality strategies at organizational or federation levels.
Despite the lack of dedicated programs, there are signs of progress in the German football environment. The growth and visibility of women's sports, including football, have increased significantly, seen as both a social responsibility and a commercial growth market. Broader athlete-led governance reforms in German sports beyond football have introduced athlete commissions providing formal voice and veto rights for player representatives, including women.
Sport disciplines such as swimming have shown growth in female representation in coaching, refereeing, and management, acting as positive role models for other sports sectors. Female athletes and activists are increasingly advocating for equality and stronger female voices in sports leadership, pushing for systemic change through activism and organizational involvement.
Katja Kraus, who was the first woman to join the board of a football Bundesliga club, Hamburger SV, in 2003, noted that despite positive discussions and reform efforts by many decision-makers, the corresponding numbers in terms of gender representation have not yet been achieved.
The survey found that only four clubs (Schalke 04, FC St. Pauli, 1. FC Heidenheim, and Werder Bremen) have women in their top management, the same as in the 2023/2024 season. The control bodies of the 36 Bundesliga clubs, responsible for appointing top management, have 28 (10.3 percent) women out of 271 positions. The typical top manager in German football is male, German, around 50 years old, has an academic education, has held his current leadership position for 5.6 years, and has been working full-time at the club for 8.6 years. A previous career as a professional footballer is not part of the classic profile for top managers in German football.
Alexander Wehrle, CEO of VfB Stuttgart, acknowledged that the current numbers show they are not yet where they want to be in terms of gender representation. The 2024/2025 German first and second division football clubs' top positions are dominated by men, with only six of the 100 positions held by women. It is clear that more needs to be done to increase gender representation in football leadership in Germany.
- In light of the low representation of women in football leadership, some sports enthusiasts are turning to health-and-wellness initiatives, advocating for science-based strategies to improve the gender balance in top management positions.
- As the importance of women's health in sports becomes increasingly recognized, football clubs can leverage the intersection of health-and-wellness, sports, and womens-health to boost diversity and inclusion in their leadership.
- In an effort to emulate the success of sports like swimming in increasing female representation, football clubs may consider introducing health-and-wellness programs focused on womens-health, creating a conducive environment for women to excel in leadership roles in the sport of football.
