Tönnies and Stevens Decline Schalke Honorary Presidency Over Speech Restrictions

Clemens Tönnies, former supervisory board chairman, and Huub Stevens, a celebrated former coach, have withdrawn their candidacies for the honorary presidency of FC Schalke 04. The announcement was made during the club's member assembly at the Veltins-Arena, where the relegated Bundesliga club is preparing for its next season.

The decision by Tönnies and Stevens appears to be a direct response to a proposed amendment to the club's statutes. This amendment aimed to prevent members of the honorary presidency from making public comments on the club's operational matters. Both Tönnies and Stevens reportedly communicated their refusal to serve in a letter to the club, citing the restricted freedom of speech as incompatible with their involvement in such a significant body.

Despite their objections, the members present at the assembly ultimately voted against the proposed rule change. The amendment fell short of the required two-thirds majority, with approximately 60 percent of the votes cast against it. Following this outcome, Peter Lange, a former supervisory board member, was elected to the honorary presidency. Tönnies had a long tenure as chairman from 2001 to 2020, while Stevens is revered by fans as Schalke's 'Coach of the Century' from 1999.