Dutt takes up German FA role

Robin Dutt will take over as sporting director of the German Football Association (DFB) on 1 August, after agreeing a four-year contract.

The 47-year-old, who previously took charge of Bayer 04 Leverkusen and SC Freiburg, replaces Matthias Sammer, who left at the start of July to become sporting director at FC Bayern München. Dutt will be responsible for youth and talent development as well as the the DFB's coaching programmes.

"To be allowed to take over these exciting tasks at the DFB is of particular significance for me," said Dutt. "I look forward to working with national team coach Joachim Löw and all the other DFB coaches. It is an unbelievably attractive challenge to further promote football with the greatest talent our country has to offer."

DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach said: "I'm delighted that we are able to bring in one of the Bundesliga's most recognised top experts for this important role in such a short space of time. I am certain that Robin Dutt will continue the successful work of Matthias Sammer, and will bring in a new impulse thanks to his experience."

Dutt never played professionally, but coached at a lower level before coming to the attention of Freiburg in 2007 following a four-year spell at SV Stuttgarter Kickers. He led Freiburg to promotion to the Bundesliga in his first season, and took charge at Leverkusen in the summer of 2011, but was dismissed in April this year.