Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04 has announced the resignation of Clemes Tönnies with immediate effect. The 64-year-old businessman was the chairman of the supervisory board for the last 19 years.

Tönnies’ decision to step down is the result of increasing fan protests against his person and the club management.

Alexander Jobst and Jochen Schneider, directors at FC Schalke 04 commented in an official statement on the club website: “As a member and chairman of the supervisory board, Clemens Tönnies has played a key role in FC Schalke 04’s sporting and economic establishment in the Bundesliga over the past 26 years. His international network, his entrepreneurial acumen and the passion he put into the role have helped to form our club. Clemens Tönnies was always there to give the board valuable advice and guidance. We know how difficult this decision will have been for him, therefore it is one we have a lot respect for.”

Dr. Jens Buchta, vice chairman of the supervisory board said: “We, the supervisory board of Schalke 04, deeply regret the decision Clemens Tönnies has made. As chairman, he has helped shaped the board in the past years and decades with a mix of his down-to-earth attitude and dynamism. He was the driving force behind a number of processes. His experience and expertise in the role of chairman of the supervisory board will be hard to replace.”