January 17 – Hertha Berlin president Kay Bernstein, a former supporter who surprisingly took over the presidency of the club in 2022, has died suddenly at the age of 43, the club said in a statement.
Bernstein was a longtime “ultra” supporter with no managerial experience and his presidential election win – a first for Bundesliga clubs – was hailed across Germany as a victory for fans against the commercialisation of the sport.
He oversaw the cash-strapped club’s takeover by an American investment group, consistently attempting to represent the views of fans and members over business interests.
“Hertha BSC are mourning the death of Kay Bernstein. The club received the terrible news on Tuesday that president Kay Bernstein has passed away unexpectedly, aged 43,” the club said.
“The whole club, its governing bodies and staff members are shocked and deeply saddened by the news. The whole Hertha family is mourning the passing of Kay and are thinking of his family and friends.”
Hertha, who were relegated from the Bundesliga last season, are seventh in the second tier of the league.
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