Spicy turn: VfB boss takes a swipe at FC Bayern

Wehrle

A controversial mid-season transfer continues to fuel resentment at VfB Stuttgart towards FC Bayern.

After four years in the role, Marketing Director Rouven Kasper will join FC Bayern in January 2026 to succeed Michael Diederich as Director of Marketing and Sales.

"That stung. I won't forget that, Bayern. But you always meet twice in life," VfB board chairman Alexander Wehrle told Bild at an event before the cup final against the record champions, adding with a grin: "We'll get our own back on Bayern for that move one day."

Wehrle admitted he took Kasper's move "personally"—even though he respected the executive's deep ties to FC Bayern—because he had effectively "done his job for seven months" without compensation. "It's madness—not getting a single euro," Wehrle added sarcastically.

Kasper had requested that VfB terminate his contract, which was due to run until 2028, so Bayern did not have to pay a transfer fee. The 44-year-old had previously worked for the Munich club as "President Asia" from 2016 to 2021, before joining the VfB board in January 2022.

Rouven Kasper

FC Bayern have signed Kasper on a free transfer, with VfB granting the player's wish to join the Bavarian club.

"We have agreed to Rouven Kasper's request to pursue this new professional challenge because, during his time at VfB, he delivered outstanding service to our club and played a key role in our resurgence. Without his efforts, VfB would not be as strongly positioned as a company, business platform and brand as it is today," said Dietmar Allgaier, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and President of VfB Stuttgart, at the time.

Kaspar Wehre took no offence at his former boss's words, delivered half in earnest, half in jest. On the contrary. "Alex is not only a great person, but also mature enough. He'll easily come to terms with it. Personally, of course, it hurts when you're no longer sitting next door to each other. But we're looking ahead. Alex understood my decision, I don't regret the move, and I've settled in very well in Munich," Kaspar added.