Fortuna Düsseldorf have appointed Samir Arabi as their new sporting director following the club’s relegation to the 3.Liga, the club confirmed on Thursday. The appointment comes amid significant restructuring at the Rhineland club, necessitated by the financial implications of dropping to the third tier of German football.
Relegation has forced Düsseldorf to make substantial cuts, leading to the dismissal of numerous staff members across all levels of the organization. The club released a statement expressing their regret at the layoffs, acknowledging the impact on dedicated employees who were not responsible for the sporting downturn. Düsseldorf thanked those affected for their commitment and wished them well in their future endeavors.
Arabi’s arrival follows the departure of Sven Mislintat, the previous sporting director, and he inherits a challenging situation. He acknowledged the difficulties ahead, referencing the personal impact of such circumstances within professional football, and drawing parallels to Arminia Bielefeld’s experience in the 3.Liga in 2011. The new director, originally from the Rhineland region, expressed a strong desire to rebuild the club.
According to Arabi, the immediate focus is on pragmatic decision-making and establishing a solid financial foundation for future success. He emphasized the need for ambitious yet realistic goals, prioritizing promotion back to higher leagues while simultaneously addressing the club’s financial constraints. He believes Düsseldorf is a club that should not be playing in the third division, referencing the city and location as deserving of a higher level of football.
Arabi has begun conversations with key personnel to assess the current landscape and will continue these discussions in the coming days. His appointment signals a commitment to stabilizing the club and initiating a long-term project to restore Fortuna Düsseldorf to its former standing. The club will need to navigate a challenging financial period while simultaneously striving for promotion, a task Arabi has openly acknowledged.
