Germany to release Stefan Kuntz from coaching contract for Turkey job

ANKARA

Stefan Kuntz will be released from his contract as coach of Germany’s Under-21 side if he wishes to take charge of Turkey’s national team, the German Football Association (DFB) announced on Friday.

The 58-year-old German is tipped to replace Senol Gunes as Turkey’s head coach, whose stint ended with mutual consent after a string of poor results that culminated in this month’s 6-1 World Cup qualifier loss to the Netherlands.

“The DFB presidential board has unanimously decided to dismiss Stefan Kuntz from his current contract as U21s coach should he agree with the Turkish football association to work as head coach of the Turkey national team,” the German body said on Twitter.

Citing Kuntz’s “success” in Germany and “his special relationship with Turkey,” the DFB said it “does not wish to obstruct his next career step.”

“The possibility of an early release from the contract is a symbol of friendship between German and Turkish football,” it added.