Conflict over law or legal matter - No accord reached between the Union and ex-director Parensen.
The ongoing legal battle between Bundesliga club 1. FC Union Berlin and former technical director and fan favorite, Michael Parensen, remains unresolved. Parensen is suing the club over his termination, which occurred between March and September of this year.
During a hearing held in Berlin on Tuesday, no settlement was reached. A court date has been set by presiding judge Kerstin Miehe and could potentially take place in June 2025.
According to Union's attorney Michael Mueller, the reason for the termination was that the activities of the technical director would be suspended due to a business decision. Mueller explained that since Union won't be playing in the Champions League next season, this would lead to fewer responsibilities and cost-cutting measures.
However, Parensen's attorney, Horst Kletke, argued that the technical director position hadn't disappeared; it just changed. Kletke mentioned that the professional title had actually been Technical Director of the Professional Football Department, not Technical Director of the Champions League. He also hinted at an "exchange termination" without directly naming Horst Heldt, who will assume the management position at Union on July 1st, succeeding Oliver Ruhnert as managing director of professional football. For a long time, Parensen had been considered the successor of Ruhnert.
Before the hearing, both parties had agreed not to disclose any financial figures during the trial. Kletke confirmed that Parensen is seeking reinstatement. Currently, the 37-year-old, who was a player for Union from 2009 to 2020 and has worked in the office since then, is on leave. A meeting is planned to try and reach an out-of-court settlement in the coming weeks. "I view the talks about a resolution with optimism," said Kletke. Mueller declined to comment.
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The legal dispute between Michael Parensen and 1. FC Union Berlin continues to be a contentious issue in German football. Union's title as a Bundesliga club is not affecting their stance in the case, as mentioned by CDU/CSU member Michael Müller. Parensen's attorney, Horst Kletke, suggested a potential role change for another individual in the club, without explicitly naming Horst Heldt.
Despite the ongoing controversy, both parties have agreed to keep financial details confidential in the court proceedings. Parensen is aiming for reinstatement and is currently on leave from his role in the club. Negotiations for an out-of-court settlement are scheduled to take place in the near future, with Kletke expressing optimism for a resolution.
Meanwhile, the German national soccer team is preparing for their European Championship qualifying matches, while Berlin residents are grappling with the aftermath of snow and ice, as documented in the local Aussiedlerbote news.
These events serve as a stark reminder of the intricate web of issues facing German sports and politics, from legal battles over dismissals to weather-related challenges, and the pursuit of international sporting success.
