Conflict involving Hertha - Bobic refuses to reveal confidential papers.
On a recent court day in Berlin, Fredi Bobic and Axel Hellmann, both previously involved with Hertha BSC, both made statements regarding a legal issue. The case involves an allegation of Bobic transferring confidential documents to Hellmann. Hertha BSC and its former business manager are in dispute over the legality of Hellmann's termination, which resulted in a monetary disagreement.
During questioning, Bobic, age 52, stated that he would never give documents to an outsider, as it could only hurrt him. He mentioned that he was surprised when he heard about the claim of him transferring documents. "That's an issue I've been preoccupied with," he added.
Hellmann, then serving as managing director of Eintracht Frankfurt and interim business manager of the German Football League (DFL), also testified. He stated he had no contact with Bobic at the time in question. He worked alongside the former soccer star from 2016 to 2021 in Frankfurt. He described their separation as far from harmonious, with both parties agreeing.
Disputed was a document called a "Term Sheet", detailing the cooperation between Hertha and 777 Partners, an investor. "I've never seen such a document", Hellmann declared. Hellmann confirmed the conversation with former Hertha president Kay Bernstein, who passed on January 2024. However, Hellmann clarified that the talk wasn't centered on a document but about DFL's concerns regarding potential American influence at Hertha, regarding the 50+1 rule.
Bobic's dismissal dates back to 2023. Hellmann was curious if Hertha's leadership had retained decision-making authority after the deal. They did, per Bernstein. Hellmann claimed he could not have received any details about the 50+1 rule matter from Bobic as the information didn't originate from him.
The judge at the court's end underlined this was a suspicion of dismissal case. Legal proof that transfer of information had occurred is not required for the suspicion's validity. Instead, it would focus on whether the court believes the dismissal suspicion is plausible from Hertha's perspective.
After hearing each party's statements, the court retired for deliberation. A decision is expected on Tuesday. A previous partial judgment in February dismissed Bobic's lawsuit regarding his regular dismissal. The key issue still remains the validity of the dismissal without notice. If declared invalid, he is owed contractually agreed compensation from the club.
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Source: www.stern.de
