Borussia Dortmund has imposed a ban on the parents of midfielder Jobe Bellingham, along with all other family members and agents, from accessing the team’s dressing room following a confrontation between Jobe’s father, Mark Bellingham, and the club’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl.
The incident occurred after Dortmund’s 3–3 draw against newly promoted St. Pauli in their Bundesliga season opener.
Jobe Bellingham, who recently joined the club from Sunderland, was substituted at halftime, sparking frustration from his father, who reportedly confronted Kehl in the tunnel area after the match.
Club officials have since confirmed that the area around the dressing rooms will now be restricted exclusively to players, coaching staff, and authorized personnel.
“The active area is and remains reserved for players, coaches, and management—not families and advisors. That won’t happen again,” said Kehl.
Managing director Lars Ricken described the exchange as “emotional but not dramatic,” noting that the club holds a longstanding relationship with the Bellingham family and that the matter has been resolved internally.
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“In the future, only players, coaches, and certain officials will have access to the locker room area,” Ricken said. “But today, everything has been resolved—there is no lasting conflict.”
Jobe Bellingham, 19, is the younger brother of former Dortmund and current Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham. His debut for the German side was overshadowed by the club’s inability to hold onto a 3–1 lead, conceding two late goals after a red card reduced them to ten men.
The incident has reignited discussions over the involvement of family members in player management and access to sensitive club areas on matchdays.