Joachim Low and Matthias Sammer are among those to have reacted with shock and disappointment at Wolfgang Niersbach's resignation as president of the German Football Association
Niersbach stepped down on Monday amid an investigation into the alleged buying of votes for the 2006 World Cup, which was staged in Germany.
Niersbach once again vowed he is innocent and unaware of any wrongdoing in the bidding process for the 2006 World Cup, but has decided to step down from his position at the DFB with immediate effect, bringing an end to 27 years with the German FA.
"Of course I am very shocked, surprised and very sad about it," Germany coach Low was quoted as saying by Sport1.de.
"Regardless of all the legal issues, I think that Wolfgang was a fantastic person and also a fantastic president for us.
"He always loved football and did everything for the game. He was always an excellent person to talk to at all times and that is why I am very, very sorry that he has resigned."
The pair celebrated victory in the World Cup together in 2014 and Low admitted afterwards that his excellent relationship with Niersbach was one of the reasons why he had agreed to extend his contract through to 2018.
Bayern Munich's director of sport Matthias Sammer also said he was "surprised and a bit shocked" by Niersbach's decision, which came after a day of meetings at the DFB headquarters in Frankfurt.
"I have had a great deal to do with Wolfgang and he's a good friend of mine and of my family," Sammer added.
"I'm personally very sorry. I would definitely like to express my regret."
Source: PA
