When HSV announced in January that Kuntz would be stepping down, supporters were told the decision had been taken for family reasons. However, German newspaper Bild has since reported that complaints from female employees prompted an internal investigation, leading to his exit.
According to Bild, several women working at the club interpreted remarks made by Kuntz as sexually inappropriate and lodged formal complaints.
An external law firm was subsequently appointed to interview those involved and is said to have deemed their accounts credible.
The newspaper further reports that Kuntz, during his time at HSV, had himself filed a complaint against persons unknown for alleged stalking. However, it is claimed that he did not inform the club’s supervisory board of the allegations of harassment.
Those close to Kuntz dispute the reporting and have accused Bild of pursuing what they describe as a "smear campaign".
Reaction among Hamburg supporters has been mixed. When announcing his resignation in January, Kuntz offered little detail. "Sometimes there are things more important than football. That is the case now," he said. "I do not want to say anything more and ask that this be respected."
Kuntz denies allegations
On Sunday evening, Kuntz issued a personal statement rejecting the claims. "I have received numerous inquiries regarding the current reports about me. These accusations have hit me hard. One thing is clear... I categorically reject these allegations," he wrote in a post on Instagram.
He added that he had instructed his lawyers to take action. "For the sake of my family and everyone close to me, I have asked my legal representatives at Schertz Bergmann to proceed against these false accusations and prejudgments."
Hamburg SV has not issued any further public comment on the matter.